Calpe wants to be age-friendly on the Costa Blanca

IMPROVING accessibility and encouraging participation feature in Calpe’s plans for an age-friendly Costa Blanca town. Senior Citizens’ councillor Rebeca Merchan recently presented an action plan, the result of a diagnostic study, 210 questionnaire answers and the findings of workgroups who listened to proposals from elderly residents. Merchan’s Action Plan stressed their request for well-maintained pavements to ensure accessibility and mobility inside the town and in outlying urbanisations. Traffic lights that remain on green giving pedestrians more time to cross were another suggestion from Calpe’s senior citizens, who also asked for workout parks.
Improved accessibility in local shops was a priority as well as adapted public transport, together with more detailed information regarding bus timetables and routes. Merchan’s department will also encourage the elderly to take an active part in Calpe’s social life by setting up a Senior Citizens’ Committee. This will be an advisory body that can compile proposals and suggestions from Calpe’s older residents and pass these on to the town hall. The action plan also contemplates initiatives related to social services and health, including the creation of a day centre and expanding the home help service.