State Government invests in actions aimed at the well-being of the elderly population

The promotion of physical, artistic, cultural and leisure activities are among the State government’s main initiatives aimed at the well-being of senior citizens. The objective is to provide an improvement in the quality of life and preventive health care for this age group. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicates, according to data from 2022, that there are 29 elderly people for every 100 children in Pará. In the 2010 Census, the index was 15.3, which for the Institute “evidences the process population aging”. The “Active Life in the Elderly” Program, run by the State Department of Sports and Leisure (Seel), is one of the state initiatives. Serving around 750 students over 50 years of age, the Program offers free activities, such as sports classes, Carnival balls, parties, internal games, among other forms of socializing. “We know how much practicing activities also helps with mental health, self-esteem, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which cause a good mood. Ultimately, there are many benefits. These moments also help in interaction and socialization with other people. It is an extremely important program in the lives of these elderly people; they like it a lot”, highlights the head of Seel, Cássio Andrade. Under treatment for cancer, Maria Lucenita Paixão, 54 years old, a water aerobics student in the Program, considers “Vida Ativa” as a big family, and says that participation in the activities was essential to overcome this difficult process. “In the most delicate moment, I received all the affection and welcome from all my colleagues and teachers. Being active took me out of my depths, out of depression, and gave me encouragement. I consider it a family of the heart that I gained in the Program, where one helps the other to spread the joy of living”, says Maria Lucenita. Activities – Around 20% of the public served in the Usinas da Paz community complexes are elderly. Water aerobics classes, gastronomy, jute sewing, senior IT, smartphone workshop for the elderly, typical dances from the region, move well-being program, occupational therapy and psychological care are developed by the State Secretariat for Citizenship Articulation (Seac) in spaces. “Usinas da Paz are open spaces for the community, and it is essential that we can involve everyone, especially the elderly, so that they can practice physical activities, in addition to taking care of their health. The Plants also promote professional training so that elderly people can re-enter the job market and generate income for their families”, highlights Igor Normando, head of Seac. Retired Luiz Luz, 66 years old, has participated in the water aerobics class at Usina da Paz Jurunas/Condor since the beginning of the year. Due to back pain, he was advised to start aerobic exercise in the pool. “Participating in hydro is an excellent opportunity, because in addition to improving my pain, I made new friends, we have fun, we talk, we exercise, and all at no cost. The Plant is very important for us, elderly people, because it opened up a range of activities to do, to keep our minds active. I just have to thank the government,” he says. Service at UsiPaz Jurunas/Condor is provided from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm. You must present an original and a copy of the following documents: ID, CPF, proof of residence and vaccination.