Longevity and dependency: demographic challenges, public policies, and European best practices

As an Intermediary Body of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), Fundación MAPFRE is organizing an international meeting to examine the demographic challenges associated with population ageing in rural areas and share experiences and innovative solutions in the areas of longevity, dependency and long-term care.

This meeting will bring together representatives from social organizations and European institutions associated with the ESF+, officials from the public authorities, and renowned experts in health, social protection, and long-term care, to examine the challenges posed by an ageing population and increasing longevity. Participants will also share international experiences that are improving access to long-term care, particularly in rural areas.

Guided by communicator María de León, the session will serve as a space for shared reflection aimed at identifying priorities, building consensus, and outlining the strategic directions that should guide the response to these challenges in the coming years—with the discussion centering on two key questions:

• Challenges associated with ageing.
• The role of the third sector in care, effective public policies, and good practices at the European level that contribute to improving access to long-term care.

We invite you to take part in this space for reflection and knowledge exchange on one of the major social challenges of our time.

In collaboration with:

PROGRAM

• 10:00 a.m. – Doors open and accreditation.
• 10:30 a.m. – Opening of the event.
  • Institutional welcome.
  • The new Dependency Law.
  • Longevity and care. A European perspective (Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission).
    

• 11:00 a.m. – Round table: Challenges of aging.
  A comprehensive vision, approached from three complementary perspectives: health and the promotion of personal autonomy, economic sustainability, and the response of the care and long-term dependency system.
  • Mr. Francisco José Tarazona Santabalina. President of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG).
  • Mr. Juan Fernández Palacios. Expert in economic forecasting and longevity (Ageingnomics).
  • Ms. Lourdes Rivera García. President of the Association of Dependency Service Companies (AESTE).

• 12:10 a.m. – Roundtable: The third sector, care, and dependency.
  A European perspective on the role of the third sector and its best practices as a driver of social innovation in care—practices capable of inspiring more inclusive, sustainable, and person-centered models of care.
  

• • Ms. María Jesús Cordero. Project Manager at the Confederation of Rural Development Centers (COCEDER), Spain.
  • Mr. Jos de Blok. Founder and CEO of Buurtzorg, Holland.
  • Ms. Mónica Hillery. Particular Council Vicepresident St. Vincent de Paul, Ireland.

• 13:00 p.m.– Conclusions and institutional closing.

• 1:15 p.m. – Conclusion of the event and reception.