The councilor for Seniors, Esther de Andrés, highlights the advances and improvements in the area, with more budget and new activities for the well-being of the elderly in Alcalá.
Alcalá de Henares, March 3, 2025.- The City Council of Alcalá de Henares continues to prioritize the well-being of its seniors with a significant reinforcement in programs and activities aimed at this group. The councilor for Seniors, Esther de Andrés, has presented the management report, emphasizing the implemented improvements and the increase in resources to ensure that all seniors can enjoy quality services. «Our goal is that no senior is left without activities and that they receive quality attention,» stated the councilor.
More investment in activities and the holiday program
One of the most notable advances has been the increase of 682 annual hours in the activities of senior centers, leading to an increase in the contract value by 15,953.40 euros. Thanks to this measure, it has been ensured that all seniors have guaranteed participation in at least one activity at their center. «We have worked to ensure that all seniors can enjoy their favorite activity at their center without limitations,» De Andrés indicated.
Likewise, the holiday program has received an economic boost, with a 42% increase in its budget, going from 38,531.23 euros to 54,949.12 euros. This extension will allow for better conditions and more spots for our seniors to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. The councilor noted that «we have extended the contract with the company and will soon announce the holiday destination for this year and the dates to sign up for the program.»
New program schedules and innovative activities.
Every quarter, new program schedules are being introduced with great participation success. Among them, cultural visits to convents, the Hospital de Antezana, workshops on perfumes and aromatic plants, as well as the incorporation of stroke prevention within health activities stand out. Collaborations are carried out with various entities and associations in Alcalá, such as Aecum, the Association of Experts and family members caring for the elderly and individuals with acquired brain damage.
Another innovative initiative is the Judo activity for seniors, teaching techniques for safe falling and injury prevention. Additionally, an agreement has been established with Haleon and the Audema Association to offer free health workshops.
Furthermore, in the next quarter, we will introduce two new healthy routes initiatives, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, specifically designed for the seniors in our city.
In terms of security, fraud prevention workshops have been launched in collaboration with the National Police, both in senior centers and District Municipal Boards. «We want our seniors to be informed and protected against fraud, which is why we have strengthened these actions with the National Police,» the councilor stated.
And on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Municipal Consumer Information Office (OMIC), conferences and workshops on consumer rights will be organized.
The councilor also mentioned that we have created a Network of Commerce for Seniors, where local establishments offer special benefits and discounts for this group, facilitating their access to products and services under preferential conditions, thereby promoting neighborhood commerce and social interaction of our seniors with businesses.
We have also launched a new collaboration with Cuadernillos cinema so that our seniors can enjoy movies nominated for the Goya and Oscar awards at a reduced price. «We are constantly looking for new initiatives for our seniors,» De Andrés pointed out.
Additionally, the City Council has promoted intergenerational relationships through the Learning and Service (APS) methodology, which combines academic training with practical experience in the community, with various educational schools in our city.
In this framework, activities such as «La mirada en un click» with the Alberto Corazón School of Art, bookbinding workshops, and dance classes have been organized, and soon another APS with the UFil for hairdressing and makeup will take place.
Intergenerational Choir
The Intergenerational Choir is another prominent initiative, where schools and educational centers participate alongside senior choirs, promoting coexistence between generations. «It is exciting to see how different generations come together through music and mutual learning,» De Andrés said.
Moreover, the website has been redesigned to be more inclusive and intuitive, adding all the information about the activities carried out in our centers and all the collaborations made, so that our seniors can stay informed at all times about our latest news.
Reinforcement of in-person service and special events
To improve attention to seniors, an additional person has been incorporated in each District Municipal Board, ensuring more efficient and closer in-person attention.
Our most important week within the council is the Senior Week, which starts every October 1 in celebration of the International Day of Older Persons. This year has broken participation records, especially at the touching Golden Wedding ceremony. Additionally, a new tribute event to centenarians has been added, highlighting their history and contribution to the community. Soon, the call for Senior Week and Centenarian Week will be announced on the website.
A firm commitment to the seniors of Alcalá
De Andrés concluded by stating that «the Alcalá de Henares City Council continues to work to improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring that no senior is left without activities and that they receive quality attention. With these initiatives, the government team reaffirms its commitment to the well-being, security, and social integration of this essential group for the city.»
