- A specialised conference will address how to respond to the progressive aging of the population in line with WHO guidelines
- The Town Hall is preparing with new participation and coexistence plans that enhance the active role of the older population
To commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, Calvià Town Hall held the conference "The municipality and age-friendly environments", a meeting that brings together professionals, institutions and citizens around a common goal: to respond to the social, urban and coexistence challenges in the face of the growth of the population over 65 years of age, a phenomenon that is already palpable in Calvià and with a significant increase expected in the coming years. The conference is the beginning of a path that will continue with participatory diagnoses, detection of needs and action plans. The event was fully booked due to the exhaustion of registrations.
"In Calvià, older people are active protagonists of our present and essential allies in shaping the future," stated Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual. "In May 2023, Calvià officially joined the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Municipalities. This milestone is not a mere administrative formality. We are working and our goal is to go further and achieve international recognition from the WHO as an Age-Friendly Municipality, not just to belong to the network."
The event featured a presentation entitled "Promoting age-friendliness through active citizenship for older people" by Elena del Barrio, PhD in Health Sciences, sociologist and Director of Policies and Social Contexts at the Fundación Matia Instituto Gerontológico. "Older people don't just need accessible environments: they need spaces where they are heard, recognised, and allowed to continue contributing to society," she noted.
The round table "Friendly Cities Network. Good practices and proposals" included María Lis Contreras, coordinator of the Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in Spain of the IMSERSO (Social and Urban Development Organisation); Biel Horrach, architect for Calvià Town Hall and the Calvià Town Hall's Roads and Works Department; and Elena del Barrio, from the Fundación Matia Instituto. The panel discussion was moderated by Cristina Gamundí, Social Intervention and Older People Specialist for Calvià Town Hall. The recreational activity "Cuando saludas, ¿salud das?" (when you greet, do you give health?), led by Juan Carlos Muntaner, closed the event.
A transversal commitment
The conference demonstrates the transversal commitment of Calvià Town Hall to anticipate demographic change. From Social Services to Urban Planning, Culture, Citizen Participation, and Health, all areas have been involved in reflecting on a municipal model that promotes the autonomy, inclusion, and well-being of older adults.
This comprehensive approach aligns with the principles of the Age-Friendly Cities Network, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), of which the population is a member. Aspects such as the accessibility of public spaces, the creation of environments that promote intergenerational contact, the adaptation of cultural offerings, and the role of community networks are analysed.
The environment as an ally of lifestyle
One of the central axes highlighted by the World Health Organization is the transformation of the physical and social environment to promote an active, safe, and connected lifestyle. Friendliness is not limited to eliminating architectural barriers, but involves designing spaces that encourage participation, strolling, meeting, and mutual care.
In this sense, it invites us to rethink pedestrian routes, public facilities, and urban signage, with an eye toward the needs of those aging in the municipality. Furthermore, it recognises that the social environment—relationships, connections, participation—is as decisive as the physical environment. Therefore, initiatives are promoted that combat unwanted loneliness, encourage volunteering, and highlight the contribution of older adults to community life.
The potential of older adults
The new model of an age-friendly municipality aims to assert the potential of older adults as protagonists of the present. Far from a welfare-based vision, it advocates active participation, the recognition of knowledge and experiences, and the creation of spaces where older adults can share, learn, and lead initiatives.
