In order to improve the quality of life and encourage a healthier lifestyle for older people, the local government is trying to create or promote activities and projects, and inter-generational activities that include all community members. We work hard to reduce elder abuse, neglect, or any type of mistreatment of older persons in our community because we believe that no matter how old you are, you deserve to be treated as complete members of our society.

The older people association AFATRAPAM (Asociación de Familias Trabajando por el Adulto Mayor de Santa María de Dota), created in 2014, is a group of people that works together to create opportunities to improve the quality of life for elder people in the town. This association and local council works in different areas such as: art, culture, health care, and others. The main activities that are offered to older people are: tours to different places, Costa Rican folklore, training courses for elder people, physiological assistance, long walks, art workshops, and agriculture courses. Some of the achievements of these programs for older people include improved mental and physical health and increased participation of elderly in the community.

In the cultural area, the “Conservatorio Musica Municipal de Dota” -Dota Municipal Music Conservatory- is developing a program called “Semillas de Música en campos de Oro” –Seeds of Music in Gold Fields- to promote a space based on music, learning, interaction, recreation and the bringing together of all the elderly people of the community of Dota. The program “Semillas de Música en campos de Oro” is not just an idea, it’s a well-structured program with a clear mission and vision. It was designed for people who love music and want a space for quality learning. The benefits of music for elderly people are that it increases coordination and mobility, improves memory, increases self esteem and relaxation, improves cognition and speech.