The Funchal Municipal Council is organizing today, at the Colégio dos Jesuítas, the 2nd edition of the event 'Longevity in First Person'. The aim is to foster reflection on the challenges and opportunities of aging, value the role of older adults, and promote a positive and participatory view of longevity.
The event brings together professionals from various fields, institutional representatives, and personalities with inspiring life paths, providing a space for dialogue on how society can prepare to live longer with health, autonomy, dignity, and quality of life. At the opening, the president of the CMF, Jorge Carvalho, highlighted the importance of the meeting for municipal policies promoting active life and the council's concern for all citizens.
Jorge Carvalho also emphasized the council's work in physical activity and improving quality of life, particularly through the Municipal Gyms. He also recalled initiatives such as the 'Taxi +75' program, which supports the use of taxis by people over 75 for needs like grocery transport.
The first panel discussion focused on sharing life paths and experiences of active participation, with the anticipated presence of Isabel Santa Clara (retired university professor, researcher, and visual artist), Rocha da Silva (former Regional Director of Forests), and Rui Cunha (linked to the Adventure Games organization). The session highlighted the value of accumulated experience and knowledge throughout life. The final composition of this panel is subject to confirmation.
The second panel discussion addressed health, innovation, and technology for longevity, with the participation of Pedro Ramos (Mission Chief of the new Central and University Hospital of Madeira), Maria da Luz Brazão (Coordinator of the Home Hospitalization Unit of Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça), and Paulo Vasconcelos Freitas (businessman in the technology sector). They discussed the evolution of healthcare delivery models, the importance of home hospitalization, and the contribution of new technologies to the autonomy and quality of life of older adults.
In the afternoon, the third and fourth panel discussions will continue. The third, themed 'Ageism: Age is Just a Number', is expected to feature Ana Clara Silva (Regional Director for Integrated Public Policies and Longevity) and Ana Luísa Correia (known as Chinha), linked to university teaching and sports training. The aim is to raise awareness about age-related prejudices and stereotypes.
The fourth panel discussion, 'Grandparents, an Example of Life – The Role of Intergenerationality', will include Dr. Graça Alves and Manuel Alexandre da Costa (emigrant and writer), accompanied by his grandson. This session will focus on valuing the role of grandparents in transmitting knowledge and the importance of intergenerational relationships. The event will be closed by councilwoman Helena Leal.
The organization of this second edition reaffirms the Funchal Municipality's commitment to promoting active and healthy aging, social inclusion, intergenerational solidarity, and senior empowerment, aiming for a city better prepared for longevity, where all ages are valued.
