The Municipality of Albergaria-a-Velha has taken a significant step in promoting the well-being of its elderly population by joining the National Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), culminated in the municipality's participation in the Network's Annual Meeting, held in Vendas Novas on October 27.
The National Network aims to align, strengthen, and qualify local responses to the needs of older people, adopting an integrated approach that covers crucial areas such as health, social action, housing, mobility, culture, safety, and education.
This collaborative effort with the DGS and the World Health Organization (WHO) is also driven by the participation of Catarina Mendes, head of Municipal Social Action, in an international WHO leadership course focused on active aging. The training allowed for the deepening of knowledge and leadership skills to integrate international guidelines into local policies for promoting healthy aging.
With this accession, Albergaria-a-Velha reaffirms its commitment to developing policies that support citizens throughout their lives, promoting their autonomy, participation, and quality of life. The goal is to create favorable conditions for dignified and participatory aging.
The municipality's next planned step is to join the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, also coordinated by the WHO, thereby consolidating its commitment to international guidelines for healthy aging.
