Comillas tackles loneliness among the elderly at its 2nd Meeting on Longevity

The meeting was inaugurated by the Rector of the University, Antonio Allende, SJ, who wanted to highlight the progressive increase in the elderly population, which represents a challenge for society, as it requires reflection on the economic, social and health challenges that it entails. José Luis Fernández, co-director of the Iberdrola Chair in Economic and Business Ethics at Comillas ICADE, then highlighted the role of companies in contributing to improving people's lives. Silvia Saavedra, Director General for the Elderly and Prevention of Unwanted Loneliness at the Madrid City Council, closed the inaugural presentation by pointing out the different projects that are being carried out by the institution.

After this first intervention, Javier Fuertes, co-director of the Iberdrola Chair of Economic and Business Ethics at Comillas ICADE, presented a series of papers, the focus of which was the analysis of different studies on the loneliness of the elderly in contemporary society.

Lecturer Macarena Sánchez spoke about stereotypes, ageism and the impact they have on the elderly; Antonio Rúa, lecturer of the house, presented the results on active ageing and unwanted loneliness in the Community of Madrid; Matilde Fernández, president of the State Observatory SoledadEs of the ONCE, contextualised the current situation of loneliness of the elderly in Spain; Then, Sonia de Paz, lecturer at the Rey Juan Carlos University, explained the situation of the elderly at European level; finally, lecturers Elisa Aracil, David Roch and Pablo Calvo spoke about the demographic transformation to inspire a new economic and social paradigm.

To close the day, a round table was held, where different professionals put forward proposals for a proactive senior citizenship. Benigno Lacort, CEO Senior Economy Forum (SEF); Begoña Ereño, president of the UMA Comillas Alumni & Alumni Association (Audemac); Lázaro González, president of the Seniors and Pensioners Platform (PMP); Bárbara Rey, founder of Longevity Initiatives; Yolanda Alfaro, consultant manager at Globant; and María Jesús Muñoz, lecturer at the Universitat Jaume I; presented different projects and ideas.