Three presidential candidates will participate in a congress addressing senior reality at the national level, scheduled for next Thursday, September 25, in Lisbon. The candidates are António José Seguro (former PS leader), Luís Marques Mendes (former PSD leader), and Henrique Gouveia e Melo (former Chief of the Naval Staff).
The congress, titled ‘Seniors in the 21st Century – Commitment to the Future’, is organized by the senior office of the law firm Dantas Rodrigues & Associados. Its objective is “to serve as a platform for active intervention in public policies affecting the senior population,” according to a statement issued by the firm.
The three candidates are confirmed speakers at the event and will share their views on longevity policies, among other topics.
Additionally, the Secretary of State for Simplification, Paulo Magro da Cruz, is set to speak on a panel about accessibility and digital inclusion. The mayors of Viana do Castelo, Luís Nobre, and of Viseu, Fernando Ruas, will participate in a debate on active and healthy aging in Portugal.
“This is a space where politics, law, and society come together to devise solutions. Seniors have rights that need to be respected and defended,” emphasized Joaquim Dantas Rodrigues, a partner at Dantas Rodrigues & Associados.
According to Rodrigues, “it is time to intervene in public policies and ensure that decision-makers consider longevity programs within their scope.”
The law firm highlighted that Portugal ranks among the European Union members with the most rapidly aging population, yet lacks adequate and quality responses to ensure a safe, active, and dignified life for the majority of the elderly population. “Around 25% of those over 75 years old live alone,” the statement noted.
The first edition of this congress will focus on discussing European, national, and regional public policies for active and healthy aging; strategies that ensure autonomy, participation, health, and security for the elderly; the main challenges faced by seniors in the 21st century; the role of artificial intelligence in promoting senior well-being; and the positive impact of companion animals on the emotional health of the elderly.
