Italian towns unveil active ageing initiatives for seniors

The municipality of Paola, acting as lead authority for Ambito Territorio Sociale n. 2, launched the project “Non più Soli e … Memorie in Cammino”. Developed by the social cooperative Il Raggio Verde, the programme targets residents over 65 across nine local communes with activities such as cognitive workshops, tele‑companionship services, narrative memory collections and social outings. At the presentation, Paola’s social policy assessor Emilio Pastore highlighted the goal of moving from a purely assistance‑based approach to active participation for older adults.

In the town of San Vito dei Normanni, the “Invecchiamento Attivo – Active Ageing & Outdoor Fitness” initiative was inaugurated. Sponsored by the local health authority ASL Brindisi, the municipality and the Region of Puglia, the project created a public fitness area equipped for outdoor exercise. Mayor Marco Ruggiero stressed that “investing in spaces that encourage movement means investing in the health of citizens and the livability of the territory.” The effort, funded under regional law 16/2019, seeks to promote physical activity, social interaction and preventive health to improve quality of life for the aging population.