Summary
- Over 12,000 seniors in the Valencian Community participated in more than 840 healthy aging workshops organized by Fundación “la Caixa” in partnership with local administrations.
- Workshops focus on physical health, digital skills, personal development, social participation, and creativity.
- More than 10,000 seniors across Spain have joined online self-learning workshops, addressing the digital divide.
- New workshops on combating ageism will empower seniors to recognize and act against age-related discrimination.
- The program promotes a holistic approach to aging that prioritizes meaningful living, active participation, and community integration.
empowering Seniors: Fundación “la Caixa” Promotes Healthy and Meaningful Aging Across valencia
as Spain’s population ages rapidly-with projections indicating that by 2031 one in four Spaniards will be over 65-new challenges arise around maintaining health, independence, and social inclusion. Addressing these challenges head-on, Fundación “la Caixa” has taken a leading role in fostering active, healthy, and purposeful aging among senior citizens, particularly in the Valencian Community. In the 2024-2025 course alone, the foundation implemented over 840 workshops in partnership with 35 centers across the region, engaging more than 12,000 older adults in dynamic educational and wellness activities.
Comprehensive Workshops for a Holistic Approach to Aging
The program’s activities are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of seniors, promoting well-being on multiple levels. They fall into five key categories:
- Physical Health & Fragility Prevention: Workshops like En forma and Alimenta tu bienestar stimulate sensory, motor, and cognitive skills to help seniors maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Personal Development: Courses encourage reflection, empowerment, and personal growth with titles such as Vivir bien, sentirse mejor and Buen trato, cuestión de dignidad y derecho.
- Digital Competencies: Enhancing digital literacy through workshops like Comunícate en la red and Haz trámites por internet, which help seniors confidently navigate today’s digital world.
- Social and Community Participation: Seniors get involved in volunteering and solidarity actions, sharing their experience and supporting vulnerable groups.
- creativity and Reflection: Creative workshops in poetry,journalism,and podcast creation encourage inventiveness and self-expression.
Innovating Against Ageism
A timely addition for the upcoming course is the “Taller edadismo: cómo detectarlo y prevenirlo” (Ageism Workshop), which equips seniors with tools to identify and combat age-related discrimination. Given that one in three Europeans experiences such discrimination at some point, this initiative is vital not only for individual empowerment but also for mobilizing seniors as advocates and volunteers to foster age inclusivity within communities.
Expanding Reach with Online self-Learning Workshops
Recognizing the need for accessibility, Fundación “la Caixa” has successfully launched an online self-learning format, attracting over 10,000 seniors nationwide. These courses cover topics such as nutrition,exercise routines,and digital request use,all designed for seniors to learn flexibly at their own pace.
Key Features of Online Workshops
- Flexible, self-paced participation from home or community center computer labs.
- 94% of participants recommend the courses to peers.
- Support for digital inclusion to bridge technological gaps.
Supporting Digital Literacy Through Volunteer Training
The program also runs “Aula abierta” mini-workshops aimed at training senior volunteers who assist peers in learning digital skills and online procedures. This peer-to-peer model strengthens community bonds while enhancing digital competency among older adults.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Aging Well
With more than a century of experience, Fundación “la Caixa”‘s Senior Program embraces a forward-thinking beliefs that prioritizes “being” over simply “doing”. The goal is to help seniors build meaningful life projects rooted in awareness,responsibility,and purpose. By fostering social connections, combating loneliness, and promoting self-care alongside care for others, the foundation envisions a vibrant, inclusive stage of life where seniors actively contribute to society while enjoying personal fulfillment.
| Workshop Category | Example Workshops | Main Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Health | en forma, Alimenta tu bienestar | Prevent frailty, maintain physical & cognitive function |
| Personal Development | Vivir bien, sentirse mejor, Buen trato | Empowerment, self-reflection, dignity |
| Digital Skills | Comunícate en la red, haz trámites por internet | Digital inclusion, independence |
| Community Participation | Volunteering activities | Social integration, solidarity |
| Creativity & Reflection | Writing workshops, Podcast creation | Self-expression, imagination |
Conclusion
Fundación “la Caixa” is setting an inspiring example in the Valencian community and across Spain by creating opportunities for older adults to age with health, dignity, and purpose. Its multifaceted programs show how investing in seniors’ physical, emotional, and social well-being fosters not only longer lives but also richer, more fulfilling ones. As the country prepares for a future with an aging population, such initiatives will be essential to promoting inclusivity and combating ageism, ensuring every generation continues to contribute vibrantly to society.
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