Red Cross’s Summer Plan for Elderly Inclusion

Cruz Roja Almería has launched a ground-breaking initiative in Spain through its Department for Older People, aimed at tackling unwanted loneliness and promoting the active participation of older individuals within the community during the summer period. Under the banner “Cruz Roja, a remojo contra la soledad no deseada” (Cruz Roja: making a splash to combat unwanted loneliness), the programme provides beach outings and companionship for older people who lack a support network.

Summer is often a particularly difficult time for older adults. Many active ageing centres, day care facilities and social clubs reduce their activities or close altogether during these months. While such measures are often taken to prevent heat-related health risks and promote safe habits such as avoiding peak sun hours, staying hydrated and using sunscreen they also result in many elderly people becoming isolated, confined to their homes, and left with limited options for social engagement or physical activity.

In response, Cruz Roja Almería has taken its services directly to the coast. The programme offers weekly outings to the adapted bathing area at El Palmeral beach in the city a fully accessible space designed for people with mobility issues. From June 18 until mid July, every Wednesday sees a group of elderly participants enjoying a refreshing and sociable day by the sea.

“For many of those taking part, this is a unique opportunity,” says Ángela Rodríguez Bogas, head of the Department for Older People at Cruz Roja in Almería. “Some had not set foot on the beach for years, despite living nearby. The lack of company, feelings of insecurity or simply having fallen out of the habit kept them away. This initiative has acted as a catalyst  giving them the motivation and support to return to the sea.”

The goal of the programme is not merely recreational. It offers a structured social environment that helps reduce isolation and delay early institutionalisation by enabling older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. The chosen beach’s accessibility is essential, ensuring that everyone regardless of physical limitations can take part fully. “The beach becomes a space for conversation, games, laughter and shared joy. It’s not just a day out  it’s a meaningful emotional experience,” Rodríguez Bogas explains. The regular weekly meetings help foster connections among participants and volunteers alike, building a sense of community.

This initiative aligns with Cruz Roja’s strategic aim to support independent living in later life. By offering practical tools and emotional support  even during a time when most services scale back the organisation empowers older adults to lead fulfilling lives throughout the year. What began in Almería may soon serve as a model for other provinces. The concept is simple, affordable and replicable and proves that emotional wellbeing and leisure go hand in hand. Summer can, indeed, be a time of connection, activity, and joy for those who are often left behind.