The municipality of Carregal do Sal marked the International Elderly Day with a convivial lunch that brought together approximately 230 participants. The event, held last Saturday, October 24th, took place in the multipurpose hall of the Mercado D’Ideias and was attended by seniors, staff, parish council presidents, and representatives from Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS).
Promoted annually by the Municipal Social Action Service and included in the municipal Social Network plan, the initiative provided a day of conviviality, sharing, and entertainment for individuals supported by the social responses of Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI), Day Centre, and Home Support Service. The event aimed to highlight the importance of the senior population and reinforce bonds of closeness and solidarity within the community.
The lunch, featuring a carefully prepared menu, extended into the afternoon with a musical performance by Luís Miguel, a local from Beijós. Music and dance engaged the attendees, leading to moments of good cheer and camaraderie.
Present were the Mayor, Paulo Catalino Ferraz, the Vice-Mayor, Izabel Azevedo, the President of the Municipal Assembly, Cilene Lindinho, the Municipal Ombudsman, Ana Cristina Pais, Councillors Tiago Santos and Sandra Cortês, representatives from the parish councils, and the parish priest José Fernando.
The Mayor expressed gratitude for the commitment of all involved, with particular recognition for the technical teams of the IPSS and the Municipal Social Assistance and Support Service (SAAS). Thanks were also extended to the Volunteer Firefighters of Carregal do Sal, the School Group of Carregal do Sal, and the young trainees in Massage, Aesthetics, and Well-being.
To ensure participants' transportation, vehicles from IPSS and buses from the Municipal Council were provided. The Volunteer Firefighters also ensured a prevention team was present during the event.
More than just a moment of fellowship, the lunch was a celebration of life, experience, and the dignity of the elderly. The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the Municipality of Carregal do Sal and the Social Network to promoting dignified, active, and participatory aging in a community that values its people and the importance of caring for those who have contributed so much to society.
