Learning between generations at the IES Cosme García

In January 2024, the number of people aged 65 or over exceeded 68,000, 21.5% of the total population of La Rioja, according to INE data. A record figure that will continue to increase in the coming decades due to the aging of the population.

Due to this trend, one of the priority purposes of the Democratic Union of Pensioners and Retirees of Spain (UDP) is to fight against ageism, a word that defines discrimination based on age, especially of older or elderly people.

With the aim of breaking the stereotypes and prejudices associated with old age, UDP organized a session this Monday with second-year ESO students from the Cosme García Institute in Logroño. During the day, students were made aware of the need to detect and eradicate ageism, offering a positive vision and good treatment towards older people. This initiative has already been carried out in other communities and is mainly aimed at young people between 12 and 18 years old. Pedro Ruiz, UDP social worker, was in charge of teaching the session and explained the problem that exists with the term ageism. “We want to raise awareness among both young and old, there is a general lack of knowledge and we have to fight to have it identified and eradicated,” he said.

Innovative project at the IES Cosme García

According to INE forecasts, in 2050 the population over 65 years of age in Spain will account for 30.4% of the total. For this reason, correct intergenerational coexistence is and will be fundamental in society. At the Cosme García Institute they are aware of this and for two years they have been collaborating with UDP La Rioja on an innovative project. Specifically, this year they implemented a program in which retirees selflessly gave private classes to first and second year ESO students. “Some were academically fair and thanks to this support they have managed to pass,” highlighted Cristina Larrañaga, a teacher at the center and one of those responsible for the program.

In addition to the academic purpose, this initiative also fulfills an important social function in which respect and empathy stand out. “It is an activity that is carried out in the afternoons and helps both parties, the students are grateful and the older people feel fulfilled and valued,” said Beatriz Moncayo, teacher and person in charge of the program together with Cristina.

The project has been very well received and the institute hopes to be able to repeat it next year. Joaquín Mata, an associate of UDP La Rioja, has been one of the volunteers. At 74 years old, he has actively participated during the two weekly classes and has shown his satisfaction with the experience. “I have learned from them and I have also tried to help them, if possible I will continue in September because I have been very happy.”

Joaquín’s desire to continue is closer to becoming a reality since the center is working to repeat this activity. In addition, they plan to include other actions, “we want retirees and interested students to get involved with chess,” said Eugenio Argaiz, director of the institute.