Ximo Puig centers families to win broad support
Puig unveiled a set of proposals aimed at helping seniors with low incomes, expanding ATM access in Valencia’s urban neighborhoods, and building up to 110 new day care centers. These announcements came as the PSPV-PSOE leader seeks re-election to the Generalitat, emphasizing that policies for older residents should be at the heart of the campaign. The plan underscores how crucial seniors are in the electorate, and it lays out concrete steps intended to improve daily life and caregiving services. Some sectors, notably the financial industry, were not included in these measures.
Puig places families at the center to appeal to moderate voters
Following meetings with Carlos San Juan, organizer of the “I’m older, not stupid” movement in Valencia, Sacramento Pinazo, president of the Valencian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, and representatives of senior associations, Puig released a ten-point charter on intergenerational solidarity. He points out that there are more than a million people aged 65 and older in the Valencian Community, arguing that elderly-focused policies have too often been absent from political agendas and deserve more thoughtful attention.
Homes
Another major commitment involves public-private collaboration to create 23,000 new places in nursing homes over the next legislative period. The ten-point plan emphasizes personal support through new ATM-like kiosks and mobile outreach in city districts where aid is scarce. On banks, Puig insists that the Generalitat will work with them while holding them accountable for the needs of older citizens. Additional elements include launching the “iai@ connectat” program to boost digital literacy, a “Sumen experiencias” initiative for seniors to share knowledge with younger generations, and extended library hours to facilitate digital interactions with government services. These measures aim to modernize services while keeping the elderly front and center.
The Generalitat’s head stresses that policy for older residents cannot be sidelined, noting that the elderly represent a substantial portion of the population and should have an active role in society. He argues that the Socialists are committed to protecting and expanding seniors’ rights, highlighting that within a decade one in four residents in the Valencian Community will be aged 65 or older. This shift underscores a longer-term strategy for aging with dignity and security.
“Menu Home”
Regarding home-based care services, Puig promises to broaden support and boost funding for programs like Menjar a Casa, laundry, and in-home housekeeping, with the goal of making these services free for people with limited means. A flagship initiative, the Dignificant program, calls for 110 new daycare centers open seven days a week across the community through partnerships with local authorities and EU bodies. He argues that previous generations benefited from decision-making power, while now it should be shared more broadly across age groups, reducing ageism and increasing autonomy for seniors.
Co-housing concepts with shared services are presented as a response to loneliness among older adults
Senior housing with communal services stands as a key pillar of the election campaign in Valencia. Puig pledges to expand preventive health measures and screening while promoting co-housing arrangements that connect older residents with shared services to combat loneliness. He emphasizes that health care should be accessible to all ages, without artificial barriers, and notes plans to create a new department for innovation in the region if his coalition continues in government.
On the broader aging agenda, the socialist candidate calls for meeting seniors’ needs without bias, encouraging wide participation in healthy aging initiatives. He points to lessons learned from the pandemic and argues that the health system must be updated to empower all citizens to maintain strong living conditions as they age. The message is clear: policies for older people are a public priority that touches every community member.
Municipal election results in Alicante 2023
As the campaign unfolds toward May 28, residents are reminded that results will be available for review in local coverage. The Alicante municipal elections of 2023 are part of the broader electoral landscape shaping the region’s governance and policy directions for the next term.