Dénia asks a big question about growing older as the city puts seniors at the centre of a new debate

Living longer is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, but it also raises an important question: are our communities ready for an ageing population?

That was the focus of a special event in Dénia marking the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, bringing together experts and older residents to discuss how society should respond to increasing longevity.

The event, titled Living and Ageing with Dignity in a Changing World: Resilience, Rights aolnd the Future, was organised by Dénia Town Hall’s Department for Older People and formed part of the Dénia Ciutat del Pensament project run by the Fundació Creativa Dénia.

Held at the town’s Social Centre, the programme was open to the wider public and featured talks and round-table discussions throughout the day.

Four issues affecting older people

Rather than focusing simply on ageing, the event looked at the wider changes that can affect people as they grow older.

One of the central issues was technology and how older residents can adapt to an increasingly digital world, while still having the opportunity to participate fully in everyday life.

The discussions also looked at how older people can continue to have a voice in society and remain active members of their communities.

Health, wellbeing and access to dignified care formed another major part of the programme, alongside the importance of continuing to learn, contribute and find new purposes throughout life.

The event brought together professionals from areas including healthcare, psychology, research, universities, technology, care services and social participation.

Tackling the challenges of living longer

Marta Gascó, Dénia’s councillor for Older People, said the event was designed to create a conversation between specialists and older residents rather than simply speaking about ageing from a distance.

She argued that the way a society supports people throughout their lives is an important measure of its values.

Gascó also highlighted the idea of an ‘era of longevity’, pointing out that people are living longer than previous generations.

The challenge, she suggested, is therefore not ageing itself but ensuring that society is prepared for the changes that come with longer lives.

A voice for older residents

The organisers also wanted older people themselves to play an active role in the conversation.

The sessions were moderated by journalists Alfons Padilla and Patricia Blázquez, with discussions designed to bring together professional expertise and personal experience.

The aim was to look beyond stereotypes surrounding old age and consider how older people can remain visible, involved and valued as society changes.

Dénia has already committed to promoting active ageing and became part of the World Health Organisation’s global network of age-friendly cities and communities in 2020. The town says its work includes areas such as social participation, inclusion, public spaces, transport, social services and health.

From discussion to action

The event is also intended to have a legacy beyond the day itself.

A citizen manifesto will be drawn up following the discussions, bringing together the main conclusions and proposals raised during the different sessions.

There were also practical activities at the Social Centre, including stands dedicated to technology, services and accessibility for older people.

Attendees could also access health assessments, while volunteers from the Third Age classrooms provided support around digital technology.

The message from Dénia was clear:  communities must evolve alongside their ageing populations to ensure those extra years can be lived with dignity, independence and purpose.