Committed To Becoming More Age-Friendly
Nova Esperança do Sudoeste Brazil
Nova Esperança do Sudoeste is a small municipality located in the southwestern region of Paraná (PR), with a total area of 208.472 km² and its main income source is agriculture. According to IBGE (2010), the municipality of Nova Esperança do Sudoeste (PR) has a population of 5,098 (five thousand and ninety-eight) inhabitants, of which 877 (eight hundred and seventy-seven) are older adults. Demographic studies point out a gradual decrease in the birth rate and an increase in life expectancy, causing a demographic transition, which means that in the coming decades in Brazil there will be more adults and older people than children and young people below the age of 14. Thus, the cities and society preparation for this age inversion is essential, since in the aging process promotes natural but challenging changes, which is why it is fundamental to support favorable and accessible environments to promote inclusion and older adults’ well-being. Additionally, it is crucial the State, including federal, state and local government, implement public policies, already provided by law, in order to guarantee the older adults’ fundamental rights, that is, the right of life, health, education, culture, sports and leisure, housing, professionalization and work, transportation, freedom, respect and dignity. This Municipality adhesion to the Age-friendly city Program, counted with the participation of an intersectoral team, formed by technicians from different segments (health, education, social services), government and civil society. Results are expected to enable inclusion, stimulate solidarity between generations and, more importantly, enable active and healthy aging as well as participation of the population.