Draft regulations for the Municipal Council for the Elderly approved

Following the creation of the Municipal Council for the Elderly in the city of Lisbon in 2023, the City Council promoted the involvement of civil society, publicizing the initiative to the Lisbon Social Network and other entities for the submission of written contributions.

"Three sessions were held with representatives of entities working in the area of Ageing in the city of Lisbon" and more than 40 "expressions of interest in joining the Council were registered and multiple contributions were received regarding its purpose", stresses the proposal approved today.

Among its main competencies, the Council will issue opinions "on municipal or other policies related to citizenship rights, the promotion of quality of life and the social inclusion of the elderly", propose to the CML "specific actions aimed at promoting citizenship rights, active ageing, digital empowerment, the quality of life of the elderly and social cohesion".

The Council is also responsible for presenting studies and recommendations to be followed by the municipality, and for issuing opinions on the Budget and the Major Planning Options, in relation to matters within its remit.

The body, chaired by the mayor or councillor with delegated powers, a representative of the Municipal Assembly, and representatives of entities linked to the area of ageing, also includes the participation of representatives of parish councils and public or private entities, or people whose opinion is considered useful according to the agenda.

According to the proposal approved today, the ageing of the population requires "rethinking public policies that include older people and ensure, on the one hand, their rights and protection, preventing situations of loneliness, poverty and social exclusion, and, on the other, that support, value and maximize the economic and social opportunities that this demographic change provides".

In the Municipality of Lisbon, intervention in the area of Ageing has been determined as one of the priority objectives in the social area, for the implementation of projects in 2024.