Benidorm's ‘Actíva’t Fest’ Champions Active Aging with Community Health and Exercise
Benidorm's ‘Actíva’t Fest’ promotes healthy aging through diverse free physical activities and health education, aligning with national trends in self-care in Spain.
- • The ‘Actíva’t Fest’ promotes active and healthy aging for those over 50 in Benidorm through free sports activities.
- • About 700 participants have registered since January, with the program running until April.
- • The initiative is funded by the EU Next Generation funds under the Sustainable Tourism Plan ‘Verde Benidorm’.
- • A national study shows 77.6% of Spaniards value self-care for health, highlighting the importance of education and physical activity offered by initiatives like ‘Actíva’t Fest’.
Key details
El Parque de Elche in Benidorm recently hosted the Feria Saludable event as part of the ongoing ‘Actíva’t Fest’, a community initiative aimed at promoting active and healthy aging among individuals over 50. Organized by the Benidorm City Council's Sports Department alongside the Department of European Funds, the event featured a variety of activities including zumba, aerobic classes, and informational booths focused on health and wellness. Local councillors Javier Jordá and Aida García Mayor actively participated, emphasizing the program's goal to foster well-being and physical activity among older adults.
Funded by the European Union through Next Generation funds as part of the Sustainable Tourism Plan ‘Verde Benidorm’ and the broader Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, the ‘Actíva’t Fest’ offers diverse free sports activities. Since January, about 700 people have registered to participate in classes such as group walking, swimming, aquagym, Pilates, tai chi, senior yoga, light weights, sports dancing, and adapted sports including paddle and running. Sessions have been conducted in various venues, including sports centers, parks, and beaches, and will continue until the end of April.
In parallel, a recent national study by the Asociación para el Autocuidado de la Salud highlighted the importance of self-care in Spain, with 77.6% of Spaniards considering self-care vital for good health. The study also revealed that while nearly three-quarters perceive their health positively, 39% lack knowledge about self-care practices, a barrier that initiatives like ‘Actíva’t Fest’ aim to overcome by providing education alongside physical activity. Mental health support remains an area for improvement, with fewer than half of those experiencing issues seeking professional help.
Councillor Jordá described the ‘Actíva’t Fest’ as a varied and accessible platform designed to enhance physical health and quality of life for older residents and visitors alike, ensuring activities are capped at 20 participants to maintain quality. The program's motto, “Your health, our goal,” encapsulates its community-centered approach to promoting sustainable health habits among Spain’s aging population.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
