During the event, held in the port area, Clavijo stressed the importance of accompanying seniors and offering them opportunities to continue enjoying life, acknowledging that "there are many people who spend too much time alone and miss something as simple as having someone to talk to or share a coffee with."
The president linked this commitment to the reinforcement of social policies in the regional budgets for 2027, which include an additional 201.5 million euros for Social Action. "It is not enough to organize events like this; we must continue improving services and support so that our seniors can live with autonomy, dignity, and close to their loved ones," he stated.
This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare through the General Directorate for Seniors and Active Participation, aims to foster social relationships and the active participation of older adults throughout the Archipelago during October.
The event was attended by Minister Candelaria Delgado, Vice-Minister Francis Candil, and Director General Verónica Meseguer. Musical performances and an exhibition of the AlGolpito project, promoted by the UD Las Palmas Foundation to encourage physical activity among seniors through walking football, were held.
“"Older adults are not just recipients of public policies, but protagonists of them. From the Government of the Canary Islands, we want to continue creating spaces where they can participate, contribute their experience, connect, learn, enjoy, and also directly convey their proposals and needs."
The Month of the Senior includes activities across all eight islands, such as island gatherings, intergenerational activities, sports proposals, and training actions within the framework of the Plan Maresía. Following events in La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, the next meeting will be in Fuerteventura on October 29th. The event in El Hierro, scheduled for October 21st, was postponed due to weather conditions.
“"The Canary Islands need to view aging not as a problem, but as a social reality that offers us opportunities. Older adults have much to contribute, and our commitment is to continue building a more participatory, inclusive, and cohesive Canary Islands with them."
Meseguer explained that the Plan Maresía recognizes diversity, promotes the autonomy and dignity of older adults, and creates opportunities for their full social participation.
