Representatives of Coalición Canaria in the Cabildo de Gran Canaria have expressed their strong opposition to ageism, a form of discrimination affecting older citizens. In a recent meeting, spokesperson Vidina Cabrera, councilor Carlos Culebras, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council member David Suárez, met with participants of the special training program Peritia et Doctrina from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC).
The gathering, which brought together over 70 people at the ULPGC's La Granja building, is part of Coalición Canaria Gran Canaria's initiatives to combat this discrimination and build a more integrated society. The event also included social experts such as the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of the Government of the Canary Islands, Francis Candil, and the Vice Dean of the Official College of Psychology of Las Palmas, Mª del Pino del Rosario Armas.
During the session, the impact of ageism on older residents of Gran Canaria was discussed, as well as how this discrimination has become normalized in various aspects of daily life. Members of Coalición Canaria emphasized the need to eliminate this practice and move towards a fairer society that recognizes and respects the contributions of older people.
“"Combating ageism is an essential part of building an inclusive, cohesive society that recognizes the fundamental role of older people."
The nationalist party highlighted that current society has achieved significant progress thanks to the experience and legacy of older people. Therefore, the fight against ageism is seen as a way to value their active role and continuous contribution to the community. It was stressed that the integration of older people is crucial for social progress, and programs like Peritia et Doctrina demonstrate how continuous education can improve their quality of life.
This meeting is part of an integral plan by Coalición Canaria to eradicate ageism in Gran Canaria, seeking to foster the inclusion of older people in all social, professional, and cultural spheres. The objective is to raise awareness about the importance of a society that values and respects all generations, recognizing that the social well-being of older people is key to the island's development and requires collaboration from institutions and society as a whole.
