The department for older people at Dénia Town Council organised a day titled 'Living and ageing with dignity in a changing world: resilience, rights and future', held to mark the International Day of Older Persons. The event, with talks in the morning and continuing in the afternoon, is part of the Dénia City of Thought project, promoted by the Creative Dénia Foundation.
The councillor responsible for the area, Marta Gascó, presented the event and delivered opening remarks. As she explained, the aim was "to listen to high-level experts and older people, to maintain a collective conversation and create a space to think together".
In her speech, Gascó also stated that "a truly dignified society is also measured by the way it supports people at all stages of life. And it is not built when it leaves behind those who came before". She added that "we are living, as the UN says, in the era of longevity. Ageing is not a challenge, but one of humanity's greatest achievements".
Experts and civic debate
The programme, structured around four major questions on adaptation, participation, health and learning, brought together professionals from fields such as academia, research, healthcare, psychology, technology, care and social participation. The round tables were moderated by journalists Alfons Padilla and Patricia Blázquez. It is planned that after the debates, a civic manifesto will be drawn up to record the main conclusions and proposals emerging from the day.
Stands and services for older people
At the entrance to the auditorium, several stands were set up by companies and organisations linked to technology, services and accessibility for older people. One of them offered health assessments to older attendees, whilst another was dedicated to cybervolunteers from the Third Age Classrooms. The day, held on 1 October, was open to all residents.
