Havanera singing, dances, walks, lectures, theatre, film and even a musical bingo: the city is set to fill with activities especially devoted to elderly people from the end of September to the middle of October. The programme marks the International Day of Older Persons, which has been held annually on 1 October since 1990, when the UN General Assembly officially introduced it onto the calendar.

The day highlights the demographic change in the world population and the need to create new policies and programmes for the over-65s, who account for over 20% of Barcelona’s entire population.  To foster participation, the city has tools such as the plan “Barcelona Senior Citizen-Friendly City 2022-2030”, which addresses the following:

• Empowerment, respect and decent treatment
• Eradication of unwanted loneliness and social isolation
• Promotion of intergenerational relationships
• Civil and social participation
• Spaces, facilities and services

The city’s districts are marking the International Day of Older Persons with a highly diverse range of activities, which you can find using this link: agenda of activities for the International Day of Older Persons.

In addition, the Barcelona Advisory Council for the Elderly (CAGG), the City Council’s advisory and participatory body on matters relating to the city’s senior citizens, will be giving a public reading of their manifesto for the International Day of Older Persons in Pl. Sant Jaume on 2 October, at 12 noon.