Experts gather to improve public administration for older adults
The Canary Islands Public Administration Institute (ICAP) held its inaugural conference on “Public Administration and Older Adults in the Canary Islands” on Tuesday, 6th October, focusing on making public services more accessible to the elderly. This initiative aims to address the needs of older citizens and improve the public sector’s response to an ageing population.
The conference opened with remarks from Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, Vice Minister for Public Administration and Transparency Antonio Llorens, ICAP Director Gustavo Pérez, and Verónica Meseguer, General Director of Seniors and Active Participation for the Canary Islands Government.
Clavijo stated that public administrations need to enhance their engagement with older residents, who should play an active role in decisions affecting them. He emphasised the importance of this forum for both learning from experts and allowing the elderly to express their needs, thereby promoting active and dignified longevity within society.
Antonio Llorens highlighted the need to tailor public services to the real demographic landscape of the Canary Islands, addressing issues such as complex legal language, digital divides, excessive bureaucracy, and lack of inter-administrative coordination.
Pérez and Meseguer both underlined the significance of involving older individuals and their representatives in discussions about services impacting them. Meseguer specifically addressed the challenges of unwanted loneliness and ageism, calling for an end to infantilisation in treatment and advocating for dignity and equality.
The two-day event continues on Wednesday, focusing on the relationship between older adults and public administration. Sessions will explore essential preventive and welfare tools, along with urban planning, mobility, and the accessibility of public spaces. Topics include infrastructure improvements like pavement design, seating availability, shade areas, accessible transport, safety conditions, and new residential solutions like collaborative housing.
The conference will conclude with a session entitled “Building a Canary Islands Friendly to Older Adults,” where Meseguer and Diana Mora Izquierdo, Director of Health for Tenerife, will discuss future challenges and identify necessary institutional commitments to create a more inclusive society in the archipelago.
