Alicante named best city in Spain for seniors by OECD
Intergenerational living and strong community support are helping older residents feel less alone
Alicante has been singled out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as the best place in Spain for older people to live, thanks to the city’s thoughtful approach to ageing and community care.In its report 'Cities for All Ages', the OECD highlights Alicante as a city that puts older residents front and centre. It warns that places which fail to meet the needs of different generations could end up facing serious social and economic challenges.
One of the reasons Alicante stands out is its intergenerational housing project in Plaza de América. First launched in 2008, it was considered quite an experiment at the time. The idea was simple: bring together young adults aged 18 to 35 and older people over 65 in the same building, with each group having their own flats but sharing a sense of community and support.
“It’s not just about giving people a place to live. It’s about building real connections,” said Nayma Beldjilali, the city’s Councillor for Senior Citizens. “The young people get so much from the older residents; kindness, wisdom, and a bit of care. During exam time, the older neighbours even cook dinner for them.”
That sense of mutual support has been key. Residents say they don’t feel alone because they know each other and often spend time together. The success of the project has led to plans for a second intergenerational building in the Benalúa neighbourhood, which will follow the same model.
The OECD also praised the wider work being done in Alicante to support older residents. The city has a dedicated Department for the Elderly, which supports more than 75,000 people aged 60 and over. There are also 19 senior centres dotted across the city’s neighbourhoods, offering free activities and a welcoming space for anyone over 60.
Interestingly, women make up around 70 percent of regular attendees at these centres. “Men are often more hesitant to admit they feel lonely,” said Beldjilali. “It can be harder for them to open up and join in.”
The impact of COVID-19 has also played a part. The isolation caused by lockdown hit older people particularly hard, both physically and emotionally. Across Spain, local and national governments have since stepped up efforts to improve the way seniors are supported, recognising the need to do more.
With the number of older people expected to rise from 20.9 percent in 2020 to nearly 28 percent by 2040, Alicante’s approach may offer a valuable blueprint for other cities to follow.
“At the end of the day,” Beldjilali said, “it’s about making sure our seniors feel supported, cared for, and not forgotten.”
Image: Kampus Production/Pexels
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