At SPC, we always strive to reduce the digital divide among the senior population segment through technological devices with features specially designed for this user profile, to which we feel deeply committed.
To reinforce this commitment, on the occasion of the 2nd Edition of the Seniors’ Week, we have partnered with the Friends of the Elderly Foundation to support the valuable initiatives the foundation carries out for the benefit of senior users. Therefore, we call on society’s solidarity and invite users to make donations to this foundation through our website www.spc.es. As a token of our gratitude to those users who make donations, we will lovingly send them one of our devices aimed at senior users. Donations can be 5, 10, 15, or 20 euros, and for each of these donations, the user will receive completely free a radio ICY MAX, an ultrasonic aroma diffuser SPC NERTA, a smart scale SPC ATENEA FIT 2, or a wireless charging alarm clock for mobile phones SPC FRODI QI, respectively. Visit the microsite we have developed with all the information and steps to collaborate with this initiative.
Next, Miriam Millán, communications and fundraising coordinator at Friends of the Elderly, personally introduces the foundation.
Tell us, what is Friends of the Elderly?
We are a foundation that, since 1987, has been fighting against unwanted loneliness among older people, thanks to the work of volunteers. Through various programs and projects, we provide emotional support to older people suffering from unwanted loneliness. In addition to this support, throughout the year we organize different social activities and events, many of them during major celebrations such as Christmas, Las Fallas, Sant Jordi, or San Isidro.
On the other hand, the organization also promotes campaigns aimed at raising awareness in society about the importance of fighting unwanted loneliness and respecting older people.
The foundation’s history dates back to 1946 in Paris, after World War II ended. What changed then for older people?
The origins of Friends of the Elderly lie in 1946 when Les Petits Frères des Pauvres was founded in Paris, in a post-war context. This organization aimed to start providing emotional support to all older people who had lost their families or social environment.
Inspired by the interest of a group of people in the work and philosophy of the French organization, Friends of the Elderly was founded in Barcelona in October 1987 and since its creation has offered its services to older people who feel lonely and are socially isolated.
Currently, what is society’s relationship with older people? What common points remain from that distant 1946, and what have we improved?
Old age is a very important stage in every person’s life, although in recent years society has become aware of the problem of unwanted loneliness. Loneliness in old age is a phenomenon where a person lives based on their perception of a lack of relationships and/or dissatisfaction. This turns such a beautiful stage as old age into the longest and loneliest. Society tends to isolate and discriminate against older people because of their age.
As the main common point with our origins, we highlight the promotion of volunteering, thanks to which, already in 1946 in France, it was possible to start fighting the situation experienced by thousands of older people. Today, volunteers remain the foundation’s driving force and make it possible to carry out the emotional support programs we promote.
How can we continue to improve?
As a society, there is much work ahead to ensure that older people live this important stage of life with dignity and respect. For example, age is the third cause of discrimination in our society, so awareness is needed to ensure that ageism does not become part of our daily lives. In short, both public institutions and society must continue working for a dignified old age free of stereotypes.
At SPC, we offer technology specially designed and adapted to the needs of older adults. How do you think technology can help in all this?
Regarding the unwanted loneliness that Friends of the Elderly fights against, technology is a great ally in offering different tools to connect older people with friends, family, or volunteers from our organization.
However, it is important to highlight that there is a generational digital divide that prevents thousands of older people from accessing technology that could facilitate their socialization. Inclusive tools must be promoted.
One of your goals is to change the definition of “old age” in the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy). Why? What definition does Friends of the Elderly propose?
The current definition is discriminatory and uses negative terms such as “ailments, quirks…” or “common.” It gives “old age” a pejorative meaning full of prejudice.
Therefore, Friends of the Elderly asks that the discriminatory meanings be replaced with others that are inclusive, neutral, and truly represent what old age means.
What advice does the foundation offer to help older people who are alone enjoy a better quality of life?
To all older people who feel unwanted loneliness, we say that our organization is here to help them fight that situation. Thanks to the emotional support from volunteers and the social activities we organize, they will feel accompanied again and be able to make friends.
And what about those who may know an older person living alone?
First, if they are aware that the older person suffers from unwanted loneliness, they should do their best to prevent them from feeling that way. For example, regularly calling that person can help them feel better and leave behind the isolation they live in.
They can also contact Friends of the Elderly and explain the situation so that, if the older person wishes, we can explain our work and encourage them to join the foundation.
We are celebrating SPC’s 2nd Seniors’ Week, during which we have launched various awareness and information actions for society about the importance of offering older people a good quality of life. International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every year on October 1st. Why should this day continue to be celebrated?
It is a day of recognition and advocacy that the organization uses as a platform to demand the rights of older people and continue raising awareness about the loneliness and isolation experienced by thousands of older people and the social problem this entails.
At SPC, we want to contribute our small part by calling on the solidarity of our users so they can make donations of 5, 10, 15, and 20€ to your association, and in return, we offer them a product of much greater value. In what other ways can people help and collaborate with your association?
There are many ways to collaborate with the organization, ranging from financial contributions as members or donors to dedicating time as volunteers:
They can make a donation, become members of the foundation, or buy products from our charity shop.
They can also collaborate by becoming volunteers.
Another way to collaborate is through any solidarity initiative they have in mind.
They can also involve their companies.
How essential is solidarity for Friends of the Elderly to keep operating? What do the donations you receive cover?
For any social organization, people’s solidarity is key to continuing forward. In our case, what we receive from members and donors is one of the main sources of income for the organization.
Donations allow us to grow and reach more older people in need, organize social activities throughout the year, and develop various programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life of older people.
