The General Assembly of the Spanish Confederation of Organizations for the Elderly -CEOMA- held the 11th National Congress of Organizations for the Elderly in Barcelona on 20 and 21 April.

The congress took place in two of the most emblematic buildings of Barcelona, the Centre de Cultura i Memòria El Born and the Casa Milà, La Pedrera, by the architect Antoni Gaudí. Professionals and experts from IMSERSO, Barcelona City Council, the Department of Social Rights of the Generalitat, and entities such as Novartis, Mapfre, “la Caixa” Foundation, and Banco Santander, among others, gathered there. ATAM was present, on this occasion represented by its director general, Ignacio Aizpún.

The Congress, under the slogan “The elderly as protagonists of society,” addressed the main current issues affecting this population group, such as promoting active and healthy aging, reducing the digital divide, encouraging good treatment, and avoiding unwanted loneliness, as well as promoting the eradication of ageism.

The round table dedicated to health and social services focused on the needs of the most vulnerable elderly people in need of support, respecting their preferences, and innovative projects in this field were explained. In addition, prevention in health matters was advocated to reduce the problems derived from illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, for example. During his speech, Ignacio Aizpún explained the implications that a world connected by technology has for the approach to the new paradigms of care for dependent persons.

The event, as in previous editions, highlighted the work carried out by all the organizations that join forces intending to improve the well-being of the elderly.