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More than 500 senior citizens living in the outlying villages of Caravaca de la Cruz are taking part in the ‘Cercanos’ programme, a new initiative aimed at making life easier for older people in rural areas by bringing them closer to services that support their health, emotional wellbeing and personal independence.

 

Spearheaded by the Region of Murcia government, this first edition has received funding of €132,745 and has already reached all 14 villages in Caravaca.

 

Workshops, home visits and social activities are helping participants feel more connected and better cared for, without the need to travel into town.

 

Mayor José Francisco García said both residents and the Council were “very pleased” with how the initiative is going.

 

“The workshops have been a great incentive to get out of the house, socialise, and at the same time receive services related to health, wellbeing and active ageing,” he explained.

 

“Basic services like podiatry, which previously required travel to the town centre, are now also being brought directly to people’s homes.”

 

Councillor for Social Policy, Families, and Equality, Conchita Ruiz, added that this kind of care “avoids unnecessary travel, promotes independence and helps combat unwanted loneliness”.

 

The senior participants themselves have praised the programme for helping them share experiences, break from daily routines and feel part of an active community. The activities are designed to encourage healthy habits and independence, allowing seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

 

Ms Ruiz added that one of the goals is to ensure that “older people living in rural areas have access to quality services on equal terms”.

 

The ‘Cercanos’ programme is open to the 1,200 residents aged over 65 who live in the outlying districts of Caravaca. It offers a wide range of activities including functional rehabilitation, psychological support, cognitive exercises, self-care workshops, senior fitness sessions and occupational activities.

 

At the moment, workshops are running in La Almudema, Archivel, Barranda, La Encarnación, El Moralejo and Los Royos, with plans to reach even more remote communities in the very near future.

 

Some of the most popular sessions are group physiotherapy classes, which encourage mobility and social interaction, and healthy lunch gatherings which promote a balanced diet. Psychology and self-esteem workshops are also helping improve emotional wellbeing, while intergenerational activities aim to bring older and younger residents together to share experiences and values.