The Vallès Occidental region commemorates the International Day of Older Adults this Thursday, October 1st, highlighting their contributions and societal role. The Plenary Session of the Comarcal Council is set to approve a manifesto titled “We Retire from Work, Not from Life”, emphasizing the importance of recognizing older adults as a central reality of the present and future, representing over 20% of Catalonia's population.
The manifesto advocates for lifelong social rights, demanding dignified living conditions, sufficient pensions, universal healthcare, and accessible dependency care. It also stresses personal autonomy, the right to decide how to live and be cared for, and rejects any discrimination based on age, gender, or origin, warning against unwanted loneliness and isolation.
To strengthen the social fabric and participation of older adults, the Comarcal Council promotes the Consell de la Gent Gran del Vallès Occidental (Council for Older Adults of Vallès Occidental), a space for representation and active listening. Furthermore, it develops projects in smaller municipalities to prevent and combat ageism and foster a positive view of aging.
In this context, the II Comarcal Conference “Older Adults Build the Future” will be held in Rubí on October 28th. This event, promoted by the Council for Older Adults with support from the Rubí City Council and the Comarcal Council, will serve as a forum for reflection and exchange on policies targeting older adults, addressing topics such as longevity and citizen participation.
Demographic data reflect a continuous aging trend in the region. In 2025, Vallès Occidental had over 177,000 residents aged 65 or older, representing 18.3% of the total population. The aging index stands at 117.2, below the Catalan average, and the clear feminization of the older population is confirmed, with 56.8% of those over 65 being women.
