Dear participants,

It is an honor and a true privilege to warmly welcome you to the 7th International Silver Economy Congress, which brings us together here in the beautiful province of Zamora —a territory that has become a European benchmark in the field of the Silver Economy. This event is a clear example of how our land, despite its challenges, has transformed into a space of innovation and collaboration for the benefit of all.

In Zamora, as in many other rural regions across Europe, we face a demographic reality we cannot ignore: nearly 32% of our population is over 65, and 12% are over 80. These figures continue to rise and pose crucial challenges—dependency, loneliness, isolation, and the social and healthcare needs of an increasingly aging population.

But we are not here merely to discuss problems. We are here to find solutions, to demonstrate how weaknesses can become opportunities—how the Silver Economy can transform population aging into a driver of employment and wealth creation in our territories. We are here to share experiences, research, and, above all, to advance the development of new strategies to improve the quality of life of our older adults.

The 7th International Silver Economy Congress is a unique platform where scientists, entrepreneurs, institutions, and citizens come together with a single goal: to turn the challenges of aging into opportunities for social and economic development.

The reality we live in—shared globally—demands unprecedented collaboration. Undesired loneliness and depopulation especially affect those who have been the pillars of our communities throughout their lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that older adults live with dignity, enjoy their autonomy, and, most importantly, feel actively included in society. This is the focus of our mission and the reason we are gathered here today.

Throughout these days, this Congress will be a space for both reflection and action. The participation of distinguished researchers, professionals, and university representatives from across Europe and South America will allow us to address, from different perspectives, the technological, scientific, and social solutions we must implement. From the Provincial Council of Zamora, with the constant support of the Regional Government of Castilla y León, we have worked tirelessly to make our province a leader in Silver Economy innovation, developing projects that are already transforming lives across our territory.

Moreover, we are proud to present at this Congress several major European-approved initiatives, which represent another step forward in our commitment to make Zamora a model ecosystem—a place where public and private collaboration drives transformation, and where the Silver Economy becomes a true source of development and wellbeing.

The participation of all congress attendees and speakers is invaluable. Each of you brings a unique and essential perspective to our shared mission. This Congress seeks not only to foster the exchange of knowledge but also to inspire new ideas and actions that, over time, will improve the lives of older people—especially in rural areas, where challenges are even greater.

The Silver population includes everyone over fifty, representing a dynamic and vital segment of society with significant development potential due to its strong consumption capacity. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste. It is essential to involve younger generations as sources of employment and entrepreneurship—key pillars for the sustainable development of our towns and villages. In this sense, collaboration between institutions, businesses, and citizens will be fundamental to move forward.

Therefore, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the social, economic, and political stakeholders who make this event and its resulting projects possible. Only through collective effort can we achieve a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

I also take this opportunity to invite you to actively participate in the discussions, presentations, and awards throughout the congress. Your ideas, suggestions, and proposals are essential to continue advancing the design of innovative and effective solutions that improve the lives of older adults while strengthening our economy and society.

Finally, I wish to thank the partner organizations and companies, as well as the scientific and organizing committees, whose work and dedication have made this event possible. To all of them, my sincere recognition and gratitude.

Welcome to the 7th International Silver Economy Congress. I encourage you to make the most of this gathering—to share your knowledge and continue building together a better future for our seniors. Let us make this congress a true source of inspiration and action for everyone.

Thank you very much.