Opinion: Coimbra and the challenge of longevity

Portugal is aging rapidly; in 2024, there were 192 seniors for every 100 young people, and the median age is already over 47. In the Central region, the challenge is greater. It's not inevitable, it's an agenda: reorganizing care, supporting informal caregivers, investing in prevention, and unwaveringly defending the rights of older adults.

Coimbra has unique opportunities to lead—it's nothing new. Universities, hospitals, health centers, and the European-renowned Ageing@Coimbra network can transform the city into a living laboratory for active and healthy aging.

The goal is clear: to add life to years while preserving autonomy, security, and civic participation. Coimbra can assert itself as the national capital of quality longevity.

Five immediate steps: 1) annual screening for frailty and risk of falls in health centers and community pharmacies; 2) more home hospitalization and rehabilitation, with telemonitoring of chronic patients; 3) Aging Support Plan: specialized day centers, telecare, informal caregiver rest and training; 4) a doctor responsible for each home, with regular clinical supervision;

5) payment for results, fewer falls, fewer avoidable hospitalizations, more days of independent living.

There is also a moral emergency: geriatric violence. Zero tolerance is required with the creation of a Local Observatory in Coimbra to coordinate health, safety, social action, and local government/parish councils, with a 24/7 support line and mandatory training for early detection at all points of contact: health centers, emergency services, pharmacies, nursing homes, and home-based services. These steps must be accompanied by specific measures to attract the necessary human resources.

Behind it lies ageism, a prejudice that says age cannot be a criterion for less care, less listening, or less treatment. Ageism undermines clinical decisions and public policies, delays diagnoses, legitimizes negligence, and undermines autonomy. Recognizing it is the first step toward eradicating it.

This is the right policy: humanistic, evidence-based, and close to the people. If Coimbra embraces this vision, the country will follow. Aging should mean living better, with a voice, purpose, and absolute respect for the individual. A city that values ​​its elderly is more just and supportive for everyone. The final stage of life should be seen as a time of participation and recognition, not silence or exclusion.

During local elections, it's important that this also be a central topic of local political debate, challenging candidates to present clear proposals on how Coimbra can transform longevity into an opportunity for innovation, social cohesion, and dignity.