Pará holds Conference on Elderly Rights advocating equity and participation
Participants evaluated and presented proposals for public policies aimed at the elderly population, considering the regional and cultural specificities of Pará
With the theme "Multicultural Aging and Democracy: Urgency for Equity, Rights, and Participation", the Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat for Social Assistance, Labor, Employment, and Income (Seaster), held the 6th State Conference on Elderly Rights. The event, which took place in a hotel in the São Brás neighborhood of Belém on August 13 and 14 (Wednesday and Thursday), brought together public managers, counselors, representatives of social movements, and citizens from various regions of the State.
The main objective of the conference was to evaluate and propose public policies aimed at the elderly population, considering the regional and cultural specificities of Pará. Addressing violence against the elderly, increasing access to health and social assistance services, and creating more opportunities for community participation were discussed topics.
"It is extremely necessary to increasingly consolidate the rights of the elderly and ensure that they effectively reach those in need. This event is important because it makes civil society pay more attention to the discussed themes. For sure, we will have many advances on the issues debated during this meeting," said Miriquinho Batista, Deputy Secretary of Social Assistance, Labor, Employment, and Income.
Quality of life - The decisions made in meetings like this need to be taken with caution, prioritizing the most urgent demands that directly impact the quality of life and dignity of the elderly population. This concern was reinforced by Roseli Aparecida Nunes, a social worker representing the municipality of Santana do Araguaia in southern Pará at the meeting.
"These conferences serve to define the needs of our municipalities and establish which proposals will be valid within the State. It is the time to act prudently and make the right decisions for us, the elderly. I am 66 years old, and this is the first conference I am participating in. I am happy to see that most participants are in the same age group as I am," said Roseli Nunes.
Contribution - At the end, the consolidated document with the approved proposals was forwarded to the organization of the national conference. The expectation is that the proposals discussed at the state level will be considered at the federal level, contributing to a more inclusive and effective national policy in meeting the needs of the elderly.
"We must fight for our rights and want to be included in the main discussions. I am here representing the municipality of Mãe do Rio (in northeastern Pará), and it was very gratifying to be elected by the Elderly Center of the municipality, which welcomed me 30 years ago. Not only for personal satisfaction but knowing that my presence can help many who do not have the opportunity to attend these spaces," declared Roseane Eixo, a retired nurse.
According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the population of Pará has aged significantly over the last four decades, representing 7.3% in 2022. This scenario requires a more attentive and humanized look to meet new demands. The State reinforces its commitment to recognizing and valuing those who helped build the history and development of the State.
(Collaboration by Matheus Gomes - Ascom/Seaster)
