This Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th May, Los Alcázares will host a pioneering event dedicated to promoting well-being, independence, and active ageing for older people living in the area, whether Spanish or foreign residents.

One of the key features of this fair is its inclusive focus on the foreign senior community, which represents over 50% of the older population along this stretch of the coast, primarily from Northern Europe. With this in mind, the organisers have ensured that interpreters will be available at the various stands, and efforts are also being made to provide interpretation during talks and presentations. It’s a rare and welcome opportunity for full participation.

Over the course of the two-day event, attendees will find a wide range of useful information, services and activities aimed at fostering a healthier, more independent and secure later life. Representatives from mental health organisations, physiotherapy services, care homes, mobility and home adaptation solutions will be present, along with local associations committed to senior well-being — a great opportunity to learn what’s available in the area.

A special highlight will be the round table on Saturday morning, focusing on the integration of older foreign residents into the local community. It will also explore their particular circumstances, needs and concerns as expatriates who have chosen to settle here. A space for dialogue, exchange and connection.

The fair will also have a festive and cultural side, with activities and performances taking place throughout the two days: a geriatric exercise class, a first aid demonstration, a choir performance, traditional “rondalla” music and lively sevillanas dancing — all contributing to a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Adding a fun and flavourful touch, the organisers have introduced the “Senior Tapas Route”, with participating bars and restaurants offering dishes especially tailored for older visitors. A chance to stroll, socialise and savour the local cuisine.

In short, this fair offers a wonderful opportunity to get more involved in your adopted country, discover helpful resources, meet new people and prepare for a stage of life that can — and should — be lived with joy, confidence and good health. A highly recommended event, both for its practical value and its community spirit.

Below is the full programme:

                                          1st INTERNATIONAL SENIOR FAIR                                               LOS ALCÁZARES 23rd and 24^th of May 2025  – (behind the town hall)

INTERNATIONAL LEISURE AND HEALTH FAIR FOR THE ELDERLY

FRIDAY 23rd MAY

9:30 a.m.
Opening of the 1st Round Table: Present and Future of Care Homes
led by Mr Mario Ginés Pérez Cervera in the Plenary Hall of Los Alcázares Town Hall

Speakers:
ADEMUR
LARES
CASER
MIMO DAY CENTRES

11:00 a.m.
Inauguration of the 1st International Senior Fair
with the presence of Mario Ginés Pérez Cervera, Mayor of Los Alcázares; Conchita Ruiz, Councillor of the Murcian Institute of Social Action; Mª José Benzal, Councillor for the Elderly; and the Osate Association

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Demonstration by users of the Gerontogymnastics Programme from the Department for the Elderly

12:15 p.m.
Start of the Senior Tapas Route

Participating venues:
La Colicha
El Rincón de Cristina
La Encarnación
Cocedero Don Pepe
La Gonga

12:30 p.m.
Conference: Mental and Physical Health in Older People

Speakers:
Daniela Collado, psychologist, Osate Association
Rubén Carrión Martínez, Head of the Social Area at AFA Levante
Antonio José Sánchez, physiotherapist, Osate Association
María Belén Andrade, project leader of the “Active and Healthy Ageing” programme in Columbres and research member at UNED

6:00 p.m.
First Aid Demonstration by the San José Association, under the Civil Protection Service of Los Alcázares

Venue: C/Concepción

6:00 p.m.
2nd Round Table: Innovation in the Care of Older People

Speakers:
Professor of Civil Law, University of Murcia
Mr Carmelo Sergio Gómez Martínez, Chair of Humanisation and Elderly Care, UCAM

7:00 p.m.
Sevillanas Dance Demonstration by Marisa Echevarría
Venue: Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez

SATURDAY, 24th MAY

9:30 a.m.

Reception

10:00 a.m.

3rd Round Table: Voices of the World, prevention and international integration

International Law

Support Measures and Preventive Powers

David Trapote González, Notary.

Immigration: Miguel Ángel Cánovas, Social Graduate and expert in the field of Immigration

Professor of Civil Law, María Belén Andreu Martínez “Succession matters”.

11:30 a.m.

Performance by the Choir “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción”

Location: Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez

12:00 p.m.

Performance by the Rondalla “Son del Mar Menor”

Location: Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez

12:00 p.m.

Lecture: María Belén Andreu Martínez,

Professor of Civil Law and Member of the Regional Advisory Council on Healthcare Ethics in the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia

What the new European health data space will entail.

Funded by the Fundación Séneca, Science and Technology Agency of CARM

12:30 p.m.

Closing of the round tables by María José Benzal, Councillor for the Elderly

6:00 p.m.

Sevillanas Dance Performance by Marisa Echevarría

Location: Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez

8:30 p.m.

Raffle at the stand of the Osate Association among participating shops and consumers

Pictures: courtesy of Bearfotos and Freepik