By Jonas Bernitt & Elena Curtopassi
On the 19th of February 2026, IVASS Valencia organised and hosted a dynamic exchange on the future of inclusive care and active ageing at the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània (CCCC) in Valencia. Set within a beautifully restored 13th-century former convent, the venue provided an inspiring setting that today serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary art, culture, and dialogue—bringing together diverse perspectives to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing societies.
On 19 February 2026, experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across Europe gathered in Valencia for the European Roundtables on the SACRED and SMARTOUR projects, organised by the Support of Inclusive Territories, Environment and Health Committee from the Conference of INGO’s of the Council of Europe.
The hybrid event, “European Networks in Action – Empowering Care, Enriching Lives,” brought together professionals committed to improving the quality of life of older adults, particularly those living with dementia, multimorbidity, and disabilities.
The morning session focused on the SACRED project, exploring how we can better support older adults while also preparing students and professionals for the realities of everyday care. Participants shared research insights, practical experiences, and policy perspectives, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative training approaches. The discussion also drew connections with complementary initiatives, including the Italian national AGE-IT programme and the PROCAREFUL project, emphasising the value of aligning European and national efforts to strengthen care systems and improve support for ageing populations.
Discussions continued with the SMARTOUR project, examining how cognitive accessibility in tourism—both digital and physical—can enable older adults, including those living with dementia, to remain active, autonomous, and socially engaged.
In the afternoon session, the dialogue expanded to active ageing and well-being, with the ENSEL network emphasising the role of social and emotional learning in fostering resilience and inclusion among older adults. The final roundtable showcased practical experiences from organisations in the Valencian Community, sharing how professionals are trained to support seniors and individuals with disabilities through innovative services and community-based approaches.
Throughout the day, speakers from across Europe—including representatives from regional governments, universities, healthcare organisations, and civil society—demonstrated how European networks are working together to co-design more inclusive and person-centred care systems.
The event concluded with a collective reflection on the next steps for collaboration, innovation, and policy development, reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthen support systems for older adults across Europe.
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