"For their willingness, experience and knowledge, the elderly play a privileged role in supporting the education of grandchildren, providing care to relatives, volunteering in different causes, disseminating values, traditions and memories. They also support younger generations materially and emotionally, returning hope to them," stated the Regional Secretary for Labour and Social Solidarity on Thursday morning.

The government official spoke at the opening session of the seminar on Active Ageing, which took place at the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in Horta.

During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary for Labour and Social Solidarity defended the "urgent need for a new social construction that promotes and reinforces social cohesion, particularly between generations." This will only be possible with "the recognition of the contribution provided by the elderly in the construction of a just society, through the exercise of their rights and the denial of an economic based perspective.

Active ageing emerges "as the opportunity for the elderly to share their experiences, play an active role in society and live healthy, independent and fulfilled lives, which entitles the right to healthy ageing and the recognition as a full member of society," stated Ana Paula Marques.

The government official defended that "the ageing phenomenon poses new challenges to companies in order to defend and guarantee the rights of the elderly to safety, non-discrimination, participation, self-fulfilment, respect for individual diversity and the acknowledgement of their role within the family and community."