Chile expands senior health and first‑aid training programs

In the O’Higgins Region, the Club de Adultos Mayores Nueva Primavera in San Fernando launched a 24‑session workshop titled “Cuidarnos Juntos,” funded with $5.38 million from the regional government’s FNDR 8 % Comunitario. The classes, led by kinesiologist Fernanda Ruz Arenas, teach basic first‑aid and safe‑movement techniques to help seniors maintain independence and reduce fall risk. Regional governor Pablo Silva Amaya said, “Felices de apoyar este proyecto que contribuyen en la independencia de las personas mayores,” and club president Cecilia Santibáñez noted, “La idea es que salgamos del taller más seguros, con más herramientas y también con la tranquilidad de saber que, entre nosotros, podemos cuidarnos.”

Meanwhile, the Centro Integral Ariel Standen (CIAS) in Iquique, Tarapacá, completed its fifth free comprehensive health operation for people over 60. A multidisciplinary team provided medical, physiotherapy, nutrition, psychological, nursing and social services at no charge. Participant Elecier Wilson called the initiative “una iniciativa extraordinaria” that offers essential evaluations and exercises, and praised the regional government and Fundación Collahuasi for supporting it. A next operation is scheduled for August.