Telefónica Seniors Congress returns to Benidorm this year for its 21st edition

The Councillor for Social Welfare of Benidorm City Council, Ángela Zaragozí, welcomed participants this morning to the 21st edition of the Congress of Associations of Senior Citizens ‘City of Benidorm’, a gathering of retired Telefónica employees. The congress began its program this Monday with the theme of ‘Social and Sexual Relationships in Older Adults’.

Zaragozí welcomed the attendees during the official opening of the event, which will take place at the Meliá Hotel throughout the week. She was accompanied by Ramón Biforcos, President of the Telefónica Senior Citizens Group of Valencia, and Inés Temes, Director of Social Innovation, Education, Employment, and Volunteering at the Telefónica Foundation.

Earlier, Ramón Biforcos highlighted that this year's event has brought together 428 people, a 7% increase over last year, concluding that "Benidorm has a lot of appeal." He also indicated that the topics to be addressed "are issues that are sometimes overlooked, but which need to be discussed."

Inés Temes, for her part, recalled the 'Reconnected' project that the Telefónica Foundation launched in 2014, which "has trained many people." She emphasised that it has reached "towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants throughout Spain," which has led them to meet many people "with different needs" and to conclude that "everyone learns what they want and what they need." She announced that during these days they will be holding workshops on WhatsApp, Google Maps, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity, and, in short, "doing whatever you need."

Ángela Zaragozí, in her address during the opening of the congress, emphasised that this gathering “represents much more than just a few days of fellowship.” “It is a celebration of the experience, commitment, and vitality of all those who, through their effort and dedication, have contributed to Telefónica's progress and the development of our society,” she stated. The councilwoman considered it a “significant” event that highlights “the experience, wisdom, and example of life, work, and effort that they have given us.”

The theme chosen for this edition, “Social Relationships and Sexuality in Older Adults,” must address “with sensitivity” a “fundamental” aspect of human existence, Zaragozí pointed out. She added that “speaking of affection, bonds, and personal fulfillment is to recognize that well-being has no age limit, and that the right to enjoy a full, active, and emotionally rich life should accompany all people throughout their existence.” The Councillor for Social Welfare concluded by stating that the congress “will help break down stereotypes and foster a more open, respectful, and humane view of aging.”

The Telefónica Seniors Group is a non-profit organisation comprised mainly of retired and pre-retired employees of this telecommunications company. Nationwide, it has 20,000 members and 600 volunteers who collaborate to promote active ageing by organising activities that support physical and mental well-being.