Through a law amendment that changed the former "Day Centers" into "Active Participation Centers" (from Decree 122/1997 to Decree 72/2012), a number of centres were established as part of this regional initiative to support and promote active ageing policies at a regional level. Hence, the centres already existed and depended on the Regional Ministry, which eased their use as centres of active ageing that promote greater volunteering and participation of older people in decision-making.
It is a tactic designed to make active ageing policies more accessible to senior citizens and give them more say in how decisions are made. It was put into place as a result of transforming outdated systems to meet modern demands, building more democratic structures, boosting social interaction, and spreading messages about active and healthy ageing.
Through their programmes, the active participation centres offer the idea of improving a healthy lifestyle. They plan social, cultural, recreational, musical, and sporting events as well as events for crafts, travel, and self-help. Mobility, handicraft skills and cognitive decline, and emotional skills are the three categories of activities. Along with these seminars, the centres might also provide other services like podiatry, hairdressing, and legal counsel, interact with other programmes like Inturjoven's Active Tourism. Additionally, the centres aid in the provision of social services. Finally, they plan events to commemorate the autonomy of the region on significant dates like "Older People's Day" or "Da de Andaluca”.
Overall, aims of the project includes giving elderly individuals the knowledge, tools, and chances they need to be active socially and physically; promoting active ageing initiatives; bringing older people closer to the active ageing policies that have been approved by the regional ministry of equality, health, and social policies; giving access to services (hairdressers, podiatrists, healthy canteen) at more affordable pricing; and providing possibilities for volunteerism and involve older persons in decision-making.
