Andalusia’s Minister for Social Services, Families and Equality, Loles López, chaired the regional ceremony for the International Day of Older Persons at CaixaForum in Seville. The day is observed on 1 October. López highlighted older people’s role in society, describing them as “our greatest asset, of incalculable value” and praising their “legacy of love, experience and humanity.”
Eight awards were presented, one for each province, recognising work to promote older people’s social participation, provide companionship and support their care. López said older people are “full of life and energy” and still have dreams to fulfil. She urged younger generations to value their contribution and said society has an obligation to care for them.
The event’s patron, content creator Guadalupe Fiñana, known online as “La Abuela de Dragones,” encouraged younger people to listen to older people’s advice. She also urged older people to use technology, including WhatsApp, to stay in touch with family and friends.
The regional government said Andalusia has more than 1.7 million older residents, representing 20% of its population. Average life expectancy in the region exceeds 83 years, the highest level since records began. Measures aimed at addressing ageing and preventing unwanted loneliness include 168 Active Participation Centres, with more than half a million members, and the digital portal Júntate. The government also provides a free telephone service, 900 100 300, where people experiencing unwanted loneliness can speak with professionals and receive guidance.
The honourees were: in Almería, Nicolás Castillo Ortega; in Cádiz, the Participation and Governing Board of the San Fernando Active Participation Centre; in Córdoba, the Cordoba Foundation for Supporting People with Disabilities and Older People; in Granada, Ada Margarita Barrios and Ricardo Enrique Barrios; in Huelva, the Andariego Association of Older, Retired and Pensioner People; in Jaén, the Participation and Governing Board of the Jamilena centre; in Málaga, Eduardo Tornes Lacasta; and in Seville, Idelfonso Cano Enríquez and Conchi Catalán Navarrete.