The initiative, presented by the Councilor for the Elderly, Clara Adsuara, aims to offer companionship and mutual support, addressing the unwanted loneliness affecting nearly 5,000 people over 75 in the city. The program also seeks to provide an accommodation alternative for students pursuing their studies away from their home municipality.
The project will be developed with the participation of the Official College of Psychology of the Valencian Community, which will be responsible for the assessment, accompaniment, and monitoring of the cohabiting pairs. It is aimed at individuals over 60, preferably not in employment and living alone, as well as students under 35 enrolled at the Universitat Jaume I, particularly those not residing in Castelló.
Clara Adsuara clarified that the program does not involve students taking care of seniors, as both participants will be required to have personal autonomy. The main objective is to foster companionship, relationship building, and reciprocal support between generations.
The selection process will include personalized interviews to ensure the suitability of participants. Once cohabiting pairs are established, an agreement will be formalized to regulate commitments, rights, and duties, as well as matters related to privacy, household expenses, and shared activities. Students will not pay rent but will contribute to the household's running costs.
This initiative is part of the I Municipal Plan for the Elderly, which promotes active aging, personal autonomy, community participation, and the fight against unwanted loneliness. The councilor concluded that 'Castelló Conviu' can be a very enriching experience, fostering respect, trust, and intergenerational solidarity.
