Elderly residents of the Canary Islands presented eight specific proposals today at the Parliament of the Canary Islands to advance towards an active, healthy, and participatory longevity model, where they play a leading role in designing policies affecting their lives. These initiatives, resulting from the work of the Directorate General for Seniors and Active Participation with the 24 Senior Day Centers in the Archipelago, address needs such as improving services, prevention, mobility, accessibility, and social participation.
At the end of the plenary session, the Manifesto of the Elderly of the Canary Islands for Active and Participatory Longevity was read, summarizing the main demands of the meeting. The Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, emphasized that the proposals aim for a Canary Islands where increased longevity is accompanied by health, autonomy, equal opportunities, and rights, allowing seniors to remain active social and community protagonists.
The President of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Astrid Pérez, highlighted the importance of this day as an opportunity for those who have contributed to building the Canary Islands to continue actively participating in future decisions. Meanwhile, the Director for Seniors and Active Participation, Verónica Meseguer, expressed the desire for these proposals to be heard, studied, and developed, forming part of the Maresía plan of the Government of the Canary Islands.
“"We want these proposals not to end today. We want them to be heard, studied, developed, and evaluated. And we want to be part of that process."
Specific proposals per island include the creation of an Office for Seniors of the Canary Islands in Lanzarote, conceived as a stable structure for face-to-face, telephone, and digital support. In La Graciosa, comprehensive senior center services are proposed, including physical activities, preventive physiotherapy, and emotional health care. Fuerteventura proposes an Integral Plan Against Unwanted Loneliness, strengthening neighborhood networks and volunteerism.
Gran Canaria focuses on the digital inclusion of seniors with specific training and support in using technology. Tenerife requests a Plan for Accessible and Community Environments, focusing on housing, urban planning, and transport to promote autonomy and safety in neighborhoods. La Gomera proposes a Senior Talent Program to leverage the experience and knowledge of older adults.
Finally, La Palma calls for a Mobility and Transport Plan adapted to midland and rural areas, with direct buses and flexible schedules. El Hierro proposes a Senior Governance framework, with stable mechanisms for participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public longevity policies at the regional level.
