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With the theme “Multicultural Aging and Democracy: Urgency for Equity, Rights and Participation”, Cruzeiro do Sul hosted, on Wednesday (18), in the auditorium of SEST/SENAT, the VI Regional Conference of Juruá of the Rights of the Elderly.
The event brought together representatives from various municipalities in the region, such as Mâncio Lima, Rodrigues Alves, Porto Walter and Marechal Thaumaturgo, as well as elderly, community leaders and local authorities.
Cruzeiro do Sul Heads VI Regional Conference of Juruá of the Rights of the Elderly. Photo: Ascom
The central objective of the conference was to discuss the challenges of aging of the Brazilian population in the 21st century, as well as promote social participation and propose concrete actions to defend the rights of the elderly.
At the opening of the event the mayor of Cruzeiro do Sul, Zequinha Lima, highlighted the importance of the municipality hosting an event of this size.
The event brought together representatives from various municipalities in the region. Photo: Ascom
“Today is an important time to debate, listen and also present what the municipality has already been doing. Gathering older people, listening to their difficulties and working with them in building public policies is fundamental. This discussion will be part of our government program to ensure better days for our elderly, who are responsible for building our history,” said the mayor.
The municipal secretary of Social Assistance, Milca Santos, also stressed the importance of active listening and collective construction of proposals.
“It is with great joy and sense of responsibility that we participate in the opening of this conference. This is a historical moment of reflection and construction of policies that actually effect the rights of the elderly,” he said.
The promotion of a decent and healthy old age was discussed, the strengthening of the elderly protection network. Photo: Ascom
The conference program included lectures, discussion tables and working groups aimed at building proposals that will be taken to the state stage.
Among the main points discussed were the promotion of a decent and healthy old age, the strengthening of the elderly protection network, the creation of municipal financial support funds and the guarantee of access to health, education, work and leisure services.
The elderly Maria de Fátima Bernardo de Souza, who attends the Cruzeiro do Sul Elderly Living Center, shared her experience and said that the event is important for everyone to be heard.
“For me, this moment is very important. I really like the activities that are done to us, and participate in a conference like this, where we are heard, is very gratifying,” he said emotionally.
Another important voice was that of Celene Lourenço, member of the Pastoral Council of the Elderly of Cruzeiro do Sul.
“This conference is a unique moment. It will guide us and open our horizons. Many seniors do not know their rights, and here we have a chance to learn, claim and seek improvements,” he said.
The vice president of the Elderly State Council, Kelly Pessoa, also attended the event, and also representing the State Government. She stressed the diagnostic effort that has been made in the municipalities of the regional.
“We came two months ago to visit cities to understand how municipal policies are being implemented. Our motto is to take care of people. And taking care of the elderly means creating inclusive policies, listening, and ensuring that their rights are effective,” he said.
VI Regional Conference of Juruá of the Rights of the Elderly. Photo: Ascom
The conference will be closed with the preparation of proposals that go to the State Conference on the Rights of the Elderly, where they will be debated in the broader scope.
