The Department of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families, and Equality is part of a European project with entities from France, Portugal, and the autonomous communities of Aragon and Murcia. The project aims to strengthen community services in rural areas for active aging of older people. Additionally, it seeks to promote the ‘silver economy,’ which includes economic activities, products, and services for individuals over 50 years old.
This project, under the Interreg Southwest Europe (Sudoe) program, is called ‘Serenity’ and aims to create inclusive and accessible spaces where older people can engage in meaningful activities, establish intergenerational and intercultural connections, and feel part of an active and supportive community to combat unwanted loneliness.
The Department emphasizes the importance of promoting active aging and healthy habits among older individuals, who are increasingly autonomous and proactive, demanding new services and resources. It is not just about medical or health-related care but about a holistic approach that includes emotional well-being and social participation.
In rural areas, where services are scarce and there is a high rate of depopulation and aging, creating new employment opportunities is crucial. Hence, the focus on promoting the ‘silver economy’ and fostering community services.
The goal is to design a person-centered strategy for community services for older people in rural areas, promoting a more inclusive and community-centered approach focused on active participation of all community members and transitioning from institutional to community-based care.
According to the Andalusian Government, older individuals should have a leading role and access options for their full development, such as volunteering, continuous learning, and personal empowerment. The aim is to enhance the quality of life for older people and contribute to building more cohesive societies.
Led by the municipality of Lorquí in Murcia, this project, still pending approval, includes partners such as the Department itself, the Matia Gerontological Institute Foundation (Ingema), the Aragon Federation of Municipalities and Regions and European Provinces Service, as well as French and Portuguese entities. If approved, the project would start on June 1, 2025, with a total budget of 1.6 million euros and a duration of 36 months.
Furthermore, this program aligns with the Department’s focus on various projects centered around older people.
‘Júntate’
Highlighting the corporate image ‘Júntate,’ which serves as a platform for all services by the Andalusian Government aimed at promoting participation among older individuals and combating unwanted loneliness.
Behind this image, there will be a website that consolidates services such as active participation centers (CPA), the experience classroom, and entities with projects for older people funded by the Andalusian Government. «The aim is to break unwanted loneliness,» emphasized by the Department.