Maturity Project promotes autonomy and self-esteem for people aged 60 and over through the solidarity economy

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Solidarity Economy, held the official launch of the Maturity Project: Autonomy and Self-Esteem this Friday (30/5), in a ceremony at the City Palace. The initiative recognizes and values ​​the social role of people aged 60 or over, promoting inclusion, income generation and strengthening self-esteem through the solidarity economy.

– We are working with the population over 60. There is still a certain culture that after this age people will stop producing, stop contributing to society in a more active way. So, when the project looks at this audience, we are talking about a very active group, with a lot of capacity to deliver – said Mayor Eduardo Paes, thanking the Archdiocese of Rio for its partnership in the initiative.

The project offers creative workshops and free short courses aimed at senior citizens, with training in Macramé, Fuxico, Paper Art, Crochet and Amigurumi. The aim is to stimulate creativity, the exchange of knowledge and economic autonomy through activities that respect the times, stories and talents of the elderly population.

The initiative will be held in all regions of the city, creating spaces for coexistence, learning and cooperation for active, creative and dignified aging. The courses will begin next Monday (2/6) in 30 parishes of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. They will be taught once a week in the morning (8 am to 12 pm) and afternoon (14 pm to 18 pm). Each class will have 20 students, totaling 40 people served per center.

– This is a project in 30 locations in the city to reach people aged 60 or over who spend a lot of time at home. They will learn craft techniques in three cycles every two months. 1.200 students will be included in this first phase. It is a course that will greatly help these elderly people to have a new experience and even a new profession – highlighted the municipal secretary of Solidarity Economy, Marcio Santos.

Representing Cardinal Dom Orani Tempesta, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Rio, the assistant episcopal vicar of the vicariate for social charity, Canon André Vilar de Moraes Martins, spoke about the partnership with the City of Rio.

– I hope that our spaces, with this project that focuses on the over 60s group, can help this action that mobilizes many and contemplates this large portion of our city that often waits for something. Paying attention to these people is rescuing many things for the good of all.

More than a training project, Maturidade is an instrument to combat ageism and social isolation, often faced by elderly people.

– I was at home, with no expectations at all, and I was invited to join this project. I’m really excited for it to start soon. I’m really interested in seeing people learn things that interest them. Students call me every day to ask when it starts. This is a door that opens for older people – said retiree Maria de Lourdes Abal, project coordinator in one of the parishes selected to take part in the initiative.

The action is supported by fundamental legal frameworks, such as the Elderly Persons Statute (Law No. 10.741/2003), the National Policy for the Solidarity Economy (Law No. 15.068/2024) and the Municipal Policy for the Promotion of the Solidarity Economy (Law No. 5.435/2012), reinforcing the City Hall's commitment to a city that cares for, includes and recognizes the diversity of experiences and life trajectories.

The creation of the Maturity Project also considers the guidelines established by Rio Decree No. 55.996, of April 16, 2025, which institutes the Municipal Policy for Healthy Aging, of the Municipal Secretariat for Healthy Aging and Quality of Life.

The project is aligned with the 12 objectives of this policy, which guide actions aimed at the elderly population: longevity with quality of life, right to the city, protagonism and public participation, intergenerationality, social well-being, combating ageism, digital inclusion, opportunities in the job market, active protection and guarantee of rights, quality education, food security and adequate housing conditions.

Based on this legal framework, the Maturity Project reaffirms the commitment of the City of Rio to build a more just, inclusive, supportive city that is prepared to welcome aging as an essential part of urban life.

Category:

• Solidarity economy
• News

30 May 2025

Appointments: Self esteem autonomy Courses Solidarity economy Seniors Offices Maturity Project