Dear congressmen,

It is an honour and a real privilege to give you the warmest welcome to the VI International Silver Economy Congress that brings us together here, in this beautiful province of Zamora, a territory that has established itself as a European benchmark in the field of the Silver Economy. This event is an example of how our land, with its challenges, has become a place of innovation and collaboration for the benefit of all.

In Zamora, as in many other rural regions of Europe, we face a demographic reality that we cannot ignore: nearly 32% of our population is over 65 years old, and 12% is over 80. These figures, which continue to grow, confront us with crucial challenges: dependency, loneliness, isolation, and the social and health needs of an increasingly long-lived population.

But we are not here just to talk about problems. We are here to find solutions, showing how great challenges can be taken from weaknesses, such as the fact that the Silver Economy manages to transform the ageing of the population into a potential that generates employment and wealth in its territories. We are here to share experiences, research and, above all, to advance in the development of new strategies that allow us to improve the quality of life of our elders.

The VI International Silver Economy Congress is a unique meeting platform where scientists, businessmen, institutions and citizens come together with a single objective: to transform the challenges of ageing into opportunities for social and economic development.

The reality we live in, and which is shared internationally, requires unprecedented collaboration. Unwanted loneliness and depopulation especially affect those who, throughout their lives, have been pillars of our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that our elders live with dignity, that they can enjoy their autonomy and, most importantly, that they feel an active part of society. This is the focus of our mission and the reason why we are here.

Throughout these days, this Congress will be a space for reflection and action. The participation of prestigious researchers, professionals and representatives of universities from all over Europe and South America will allow us to address, from different perspectives, the technological, scientific and social solutions that we must implement. From the Provincial Council of Zamora, always supported by the Junta de Castilla y León, we have worked tirelessly to make our province a benchmark for innovation in the Silver Economy, developing projects that are already changing lives, throughout our entire province.

Furthermore, we are proud to be able to present at this Congress important initiatives approved by Europe and that constitute a further step in our commitment to make this province a reference ecosystem, with public and private collaboration, with great transformative potential, making the Silver Economy a source of development and well-being.

The participation of all the congressmen and speakers present is invaluable. Each of you brings a unique and necessary perspective to advance our common mission. This Congress not only seeks to promote the exchange of knowledge, but also to inspire new ideas and actions that, over time, will change the lives of older people, especially in rural areas, where the challenges are even greater.

The Silver target population includes the entire population over fifty years of age, generating important development challenges as it is a very dynamic segment on which a great potential for consumption is based. This is an opportunity that we cannot waste, always integrating the younger population as a source of employment and entrepreneurship, fundamental bases for the development of our towns. In this sense, collaboration between institutions, companies and citizens will be key to moving forward.

Therefore, I would like to deeply thank the involvement of all the social, economic and political agents who make this event and the projects that arise from it possible. It is only through a joint effort that we will achieve a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

I also take this opportunity to invite you to actively participate in the debates, presentations and awards of the congress. Your ideas, suggestions and proposals are essential to continue advancing in the design of innovative and effective solutions that improve the lives of older people and, at the same time, strengthen our economy and society.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the collaborating companies and entities, as well as to the scientific and organizing committees, who with their work and dedication make this event possible. To all of them, my recognition and gratitude.

Welcome to the VI International Silver Economy Congress.