A group of senior influencers 

A senior advocacy group formed by Ombudsman Päivi Topo provides support to the Office of the ombudsman for older people. With specialists of the Office, the members of the senior advocacy group assess how the strategic targets of the Ombudsman can be advanced and what has been achieved with the advocacy work. The group especially promotes the views, experiences and wishes of older people whose circumstances are more challenging than usual. The senior advocacy group comprises eight specialists who have strong expertise related to advocacy work and the status of older people in the society. The members come from all around Finland. 

The members of the group of senior influencers in 2022–2026:

Kari Itkonen
Markku Lehto
Ristenrauna Magga
Tuulikki Petäjäniemi
Vappu Taipale 
Jaakko Tuomi
Auni-Marja Vilavaara
Viveca Hagmark

In the front row from the left Vappu Taipale, Jaakko Tuomi, Ristenrauna Magga. In the top row from the left: Auni-Marja Vilavaara, Kari Itkonen, Markku Lehto, Tuulikki Petäjäniemi. In the back row in the middle, the Ombudsman for older people Päivi Topo.