Cartagena expands senior care with fair, services, and major investment. Photo Credit: Mark Timberlake / Unsplash
The Costa Calida city of Cartagena has given a historic boost to its policies in aid of seniors in the municipality with the 16th edition of the Senior Citizens’ Fair, an event that brought together a total of 42 organisations in the Parque de los Juncos. The fair also represents the tripling of the budget for the aid to seniors in the last two years, and this “comprehensive and successful model of active aging” will be presented to the World Health Organisation in San Sebastian as a glowing example of how to help the more elderly residents of the municipality.
A vibrant celebration of senior citizens with everything from health checks to live performances
The 16th Senior Citizens’ Fair, which was open on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, was a vibrant showcase of the resources available in Cartagena for the elderly population. The event featured a strong presence from local neighbourhood associations, women’s groups, senior citizens’ clubs (including those in Perin, El Albujon, Miranda, and Santa Ana), and non-profit organisations, including the Red Cross and Caritas San Diego.
During the weekend, attendees had uninterrupted access to hearing tests, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and diabetes screenings. The fair’s programme, apart from these health-related initiatives, also included a fun aspect, with demonstrations and workshops, collections for charities, social events, musical performances, and active events.
Active participation to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Additionally, Sunday, June 14 saw a strong social focus to the fair with the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is officially observed on Monday, June 15. Cartagena observed this day with an active hike along the Senior Trail to the Castillo de la Concepcion at 11:30am, as well as a reading of the institutional manifesto to reaffirm Cartagena’s commitment to the well-being and protection of its senior citizens.
Projects to protect senior citizens in Cartagena
In total, the 42 active organisations participating in the Senior Citizens’ Fair boast more than 10,000 members across the Region of Murcia and beyond. These organisations work to prevent and combat senior loneliness, make the digital divide more manageable for seniors, help boost health initiatives, and tackle other problems that disproportionately affect the older residents of the Costa Calida.
One such project is ‘Neighbourhood Neighbour,’ an initiative created to combat unwanted loneliness and which is already operating successfully in areas including the Old Town, San Anton, and El Algar, and will soon reach Pozo Estrecho.
The Cartagena City Council, in total, has exceeded €11 million in its investment to essential services for senior citizens, including home care, respite care, telecare, and day centres.
