Under the Tenerife sun, Santa Cruz beach served as the venue for unique 'beach Olympics' organized by Santa Cruz Vital to commemorate Grandparents' Day. Dozens of seniors, accompanied by their children and grandchildren, participated in a day of community and active aging, combating unwanted loneliness.
To the rhythm of hits like 'La Macarena' and 'Noches de Fantasía', many seniors followed aquagym choreography in the water, while younger family members tried to imitate them from the shore or watched with laughter. The day also included activities to keep minds active, such as pétanque, bowling, and tic-tac-toe.
The initiative is part of Santa Cruz Vital, a municipal program that promotes active and healthy aging throughout the year. The Councilor for Social Policies, Charín González, highlighted the importance of this day to thank grandparents for their role in many families, often facilitating work-life balance.
For many participants, like Ángel de León, these activities mark a before and after in their lives, especially after the loss of their spouses. "They told me: 'How are you going to give it up?' And here I am," she says with a smile, reflecting the enthusiasm with which they await these gatherings to meet and share experiences.
Other attendees, like María del Pino, focus on noting down names and enjoying the company, assuring she has never felt alone thanks to the support of her family and the friendships made during these activities. The day was described as a very fun and enriching experience.
Behind the games, the Santa Cruz Vital program monitors seniors to detect potential vulnerability situations and offer them resources. It currently has 42 active groups across the municipality's five districts.
Instructors, such as Natalia Rangel and Ana, share the affection they receive from the participants and how working with them has changed their perspective on aging, offering advice and an enriching life vision. "They are like your parents," one of them states.
María del Carmen Alfonso, accompanied by her family, enjoyed the day, even convincing her husband to leave the house. Her grandson, Eduardo López Alfonso, expressed his enthusiasm for seeing his family happy and sharing a fantastic day in the water with his grandparents.
“"It's the best thing that has happened to me. I take away the most beautiful thing: I danced, I fell, but I enjoyed myself."
“"Seeing my family happy fills me up a lot. Being with my grandmother, my grandfather, and my cousin in the water has been fantastic."
