The Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families, and Equality is part, along with entities from France, Portugal, and the autonomous communities of Aragon and Murcia, of a European project aiming to strengthen community services in rural areas for active aging of the elderly. Additionally, among the objectives, we seek to stimulate what is known as the «silver economy» or «Silver Economy», which includes all those economic activities, products, and services aimed at meeting the needs of those over 50 years old.
This project, which is part of the Southwestern Interreg Europe (SDOE) program, is called «Serene» and also aims to create inclusive and accessible spaces where the elderly can engage in meaningful activities, establish intergenerational and intercultural connections, and feel part of an active and supportive community to combat unwanted loneliness.
The ministry advocates for the importance of promoting active aging and healthy habits among the elderly, who are becoming more autonomous and proactive and demanding new services and resources. It is not just medical or healthcare assistance, but has a holistic approach that includes emotional well-being – social participation and engagement.
In rural areas, where there are fewer services and a high depopulation and aging rate, it is important to promote new job opportunities. Therefore, the commitment to favor the «silver economy» and promote community services.
The idea is to design a person-centered strategy for community care services for the elderly in rural areas, promoting a more inclusive and community-focused approach, centered on active participation of all community members and promoting the transition from institutional care to community care.
The elderly, as affirmed by the Andalusian government, must play a leadership role and have options for full development, such as voluntary learning actions, continuous learning, and personal growth. Therefore, it follows, to improve the quality of life of the elderly and contribute to the development of various cohesive communities.
Led by the Local Council of Murcia in Lorquí, this project, which is still pending, has partners with the Ministry itself, in addition to the base of the Matia Gerontological Institute (INGAM); The Aagage Federation of Municipalities and Regions and Provinces in Europe and French and Portuguese entities. If approved, it would start implementation 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 ministry’s work led by Loles López, who has already promoted several projects with the elderly as a central axis.
«Together»
At this moment, we notice the corporate image «Join», which serves as an umbrella for all government services in Andalusia for the participation of seniors and to combat unwanted loneliness.
Behind this image, there will be a website that will bring together services such as active participation centers (CPA), the experience class, or entities that, through grants from the Andalusian Government, have projects for the elderly. «It’s about breaking unwanted loneliness,» emphasizes the ministry.