The Cabildo of Lanzarote celebrated this Friday the III Gala of Awards in the Field of the Elderly of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, a meeting that brought together institutional representatives, associations, professionals, families, and elderly people at the Casa Museo Monumento al Campesino to publicly recognize nine trajectories, collectives, and projects linked to well-being, care, inclusion, and active aging.
The ceremony, organized by the Department of the Elderly and Intergenerational Relations, gave names and faces to different ways of contributing to improving the quality of life of the elderly and reinforcing their active participation in society. The event also featured musical performances by Ciro Corujo, who was in charge of opening and closing the gala.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, congratulated all the recognized people and entities and vindicated the role of the elderly as an essential part of the present and future of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
“Our elders do not only represent our memory, but they continue to be an active part of the society we build every day. Their experience, their temperance, and all that they continue to contribute constitute one of the main human assets of Lanzarote and La Graciosa,” stated Betancort.
During his speech, the president also highlighted that the distinctions reflect “a profoundly grateful society” and recalled that progress must also be measured by a community’s ability to care for its elders and transmit its values to new generations.”
Betancort also insisted that the participation of the elderly in public and community life “cannot be understood as a complement, but as a guarantee for building a more inclusive, just, and supportive island.”
The vice-president of the Cabildo, María Jesús Tovar, highlighted the human component of the recognitions and the work carried out by institutions, social entities, associations, and families. “This gala makes visible many stories that are normally built with discretion: people who care, professionals who accompany, associations that create community, and projects that combat loneliness and promote an active life. Recognizing them is also recognizing the model of society we want for Lanzarote and La Graciosa,” she pointed out.
For her part, the Minister of the Area of the Elderly and Intergenerational Relations, Nori Machín, highlighted the consolidation of a gala that reaches its third edition and that "goes far beyond presenting awards".
"We want older people to have a voice, meeting spaces, opportunities to participate, and real capacity to decide on issues that affect them. This gala is a recognition, but also a way of remembering that our policies must be built by listening to them and counting on them," stated Machín.
The minister also thanked the involvement of associations, professionals, caregivers, families, and entities that work with this group throughout the year, as well as the work of the team of the Area of the Elderly and Intergenerational Relations.
Nine recognitions
The award for Senior of the Year was presented to Antonio Pérez, whose personal trajectory and solidarity commitment were highlighted during the ceremony.
In the Senior Association category, the recognition went to the Association of Seniors and Volunteers of Tías (ASOMAVO), an associative benchmark after more than two decades of activity and work with older people.
The award for Best Active Aging Project went to Paseos Saludables, an initiative of the Primary Care Directorate of the Lanzarote Health Area Management of the Canary Islands Health Service, aimed at promoting physical activity, social relationships, and healthy habits.
Trinidad García Hernández received the recognition in the Caregiver category, highlighting a job based on dedication, companionship, and care.
The Isla de los Volcanes – Maraua Servicios Day Center was distinguished as the Best Center for the Care of Older People, while Agustina María García Delgado, president and leader of AFA Lanzarote, received the award in the Professional category, recognizing her career and commitment.
The award for Intergenerational Project went to "Cuentos de los Abuelos Canarios" (Stories of the Canary Grandparents), an initiative of the Charter 100 Canarias Association together with the Historical Heritage Service of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, which contributes to preserving and transmitting the memory of older people to younger generations.
In the Solidarity category, the recognition went to EMERLAN, Association of Volunteers in Emergencies and Rescue of Lanzarote, for its track record of service and social commitment.
Finally, the award for Inclusivity was given to Charlemos, an peer support program aimed at older LGTBI+ individuals, highlighting its contribution against loneliness and in favor of a society in which no one is left behind due to their age or identity.
Active aging and participation
The III Senior Gala is part of the policies promoted by the Cabildo through the +Vital Active Rejuvenation Insular Plan, within which initiatives such as Playa Fit, Ponte en Marcha, and the Cognitive Olympics are developed, aimed at promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the older population.
The event concluded with a family photograph of all the awarded individuals and entities and a new performance by Ciro Corujo, putting the finishing touch on a day conceived to celebrate the experience, participation, and contribution of older people to Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
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