The University of Almería recently hosted the event ‘University and Active Life: Senior UAL Presentation + Senior UGR Experience’. The institutional gathering, held in the conference hall of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences, brought together staff nearing or already retired, institutional representatives, and individuals involved in the initiative, conveying gratitude and affection towards those who have dedicated a significant part of their professional lives to the University.
The rector of the University of Almería, José J. Céspedes, welcomed attendees, emphasizing that retirement marks the beginning of a new stage of belonging and participation. He noted that while retired staff take relationships and memories with them, the University retains their imprint and knowledge. He expressed gratitude to the organizing group, with special mention to retired professor Manuel de la Fuente for his drive in creating this meeting space.
The Vice-Rector for Equality, Inclusion, and Social Commitment, María Isabel Ramírez, outlined the main objectives of the Senior UAL Program, designed to leverage the talent and memory of the university community. This flexible and voluntary framework is aimed at staff with at least five years of affiliation, integrating them into existing university activities, specific actions, and proposals from participants themselves in cultural, educational, sports, volunteering, and intergenerational areas.
Senior UAL features a participatory structure with a representative assembly, a management team acting as liaison with the Vice-Rectorate, a consensus-based annual program, and an activity, participation, and impact report. This initiative aligns with the University's commitment to lifelong learning, represented by the University of Seniors, which has over twenty-five years of work in personal development, well-being, and inclusion.
During the event, retired professor Manuel de la Fuente highlighted that the institution represents a space of shared bonds and collective memory. The session also included participation from José Luis Cabezas Casado, a doctor in Gerontology and coordinator of the Senior UGR Program at the University of Granada, who shared best practices in active aging and intergenerational relations. The University of Almería expressly thanked him for his presence and the collaboration of the University of Granada.
The meeting concluded with the shared idea that Senior UAL is an invitation to maintain ties with the institution from a new perspective and with different timings, reaffirming that the University is strengthened by continuing to count on the people who have helped build its history.
