The Director General of Older People, Active Participation and Unwanted Loneliness, Rocío Barragán, together with the delegate of the Regional Government in Almería, Aránzazu Martín, chaired this Monday in Almería the central event of the International Day of Older Persons, which is commemorated on October 1. At the event, which was attended by more than 500 people and the presenter of the program ‘Salud al día’ Roberto Sánchez as sponsor, eight awards were given, one for each province.
During the event, two videos were viewed, one by the President of the Andalusian Government, Juanma Moreno, and another by the Minister for Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality, Loles López, who were unable to attend due to scheduling issues but wanted to congratulate the elderly in Andalusia, highlighting their ability and values, and expressing their gratitude and admiration for the winners.
The president has defended the importance of company and has underlined the commitment of the Junta to prevent unwanted loneliness. “Nobody deserves to live alone after so much effort, you deserve to enjoy life,” the president has underlined. The councillor has expressed the same opinion, stressing that “we all have the moral duty to give back to the elderly some of the much they have given us” thanks to their sacrifice, she said.
During her speech at the event, Barragán stressed the social importance of older people, who are “a source of inspiration” for the Andalusia of the future. Convinced of the “enormous collective legacy” that older people have left behind through their effort, enthusiasm and values that are “an example for the whole of society”, the general director praised the role of Active Participation Centres in combating isolation and promoting active and healthy ageing.
The Government delegate in Almería, Aránzazu Martín, also emphasised everything that the elderly have contributed, thanking them for their involvement and dedication and underlining the Junta’s commitment to policies dedicated to the elderly.