landscape with fields and hills
Empowering rural communities to act for change

Emerging policy findings from RURACTIVE presented at the International Silver Economy Congress

The 7th International Silver Economy Congress, held in Zamora, Spain, broke records this year with over 2,200 participants and 565 research contributions, reaffirming Zamora’s position as a global hub for longevity and innovation. Hosted at the Teatro Ramos Carrión under the Honorary Presidency of H.M. Queen Sofía, the event brought together experts from Europe, Latin America and Asia to address demographic change, active ageing and social inclusion.

This year´s edition focused on:

  • Combating unwanted loneliness through community-based strategies.
  • Using technology and AI for autonomy and care.
  • Promoting senior talent as a competitive advantage.
  • Advancing scientific research for healthier, longer lives.

Among the highlights was the session “International Cooperation Models II in Combating Unwanted Loneliness”, with a panel that provided an international comparison of Europe, Asia and Latin America case studies alongside experts such as:

  • Miguel Ángel Matilla Blanco, Guadalajara (Mexico) case study
  • Prof. Dr. Paula Cisneros Cristóbal, on aging policies in Japan
  • Mi Gang Chung, advisor from the Korean Association of Local Governments
  • Dr. Serafin Pazos-Vidal from RURACTIVE Partner the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) presented the emerging policy findings from the project most notably an analysis of EU policies around rural innovation and the recent RURACTIVE submission on the 2028-2034 EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework. His intervention focused on how rural and territorial development can foster inclusive ecosystems to fight isolation, both physical and social, drawing on insights from RURACTIVE and European best practices and putting into context the local experiences in places such as Zamora.

Zamora’s Role in RURACTIVE: Tackling Ageing and Isolation Through Innovation
Zamora is one of the twelve RURACTIVE Dynamos, rural innovation ecosystems driving community-led solutions across Europe. With 31% of its population over 65 years of age, Zamora faces a dual challenge: ageing and depopulation. The Local Action Plan, developed through a year-long participatory process, outlines strategies to address these issues by activating local stakeholders, empowering communities, and co-designing innovative solutions. Key priorities include:

  • Health and Wellbeing Services: Leveraging IoT and AI to improve healthcare access and autonomy for older adults.
  • Community Engagement: Creating local task forces and training community leaders to co-develop solutions.
  • Sustainability and Digital Inclusion: Integrating technology for care while promoting agroecology and energy transition.

Innovative Solution: Monitoring Older People in Rural Homes
One flagship initiative under Zamora’s Silver Economy strategy discussed at the event is the “Monitoring Older People in Rural Homes” solution. This approach combines non-invasive sensors installed in homes with the creation of a new role: the “Silver Caregiver”. These caregivers not only monitor data but also provide companionship and daily support, ensuring older adults can remain safely in their homes.