Around twenty older people are visiting schools to share stories and songs as part of this intergenerational project    

‘Los mayores cuentan’ has doubled its activities this academic year. The project aims to promote active ageing, prevent unwanted loneliness and forge intergenerational bonds through storytelling sessions led by older people in nurseries and primary schools.  

More than 1,500 pupils aged between 0 and 5 from nurseries, children’s homes and pre-schools —compared to 600 last academic year— have welcomed visits to their classrooms from the older people taking part in this initiative run by Fuenlabrada City Council through the relevant department. 

The older adults tell stories, which they have prepared in advance, from an extensive repertoire that includes well-known children’s books such as ‘Elmer’ as well as others that are less familiar; they sing and play with the pupils. 

They have received training at senior citizens’ centres in performance, voice modulation, rhythm, musicality, body language and even sign language, as they accompany the songs with signs in this language. 

Ana Pérez, Councillor for the Elderly, explained that “this programme, as well as fostering values such as respect and empathy from an early age, helps to combat loneliness and the stereotypes associated with old age”. 

‘Los mayores cuentan’ is part of the programmes and activities run by the City Council with the aim of improving the quality of life of older residents, promoting active ageing through workshops, programmes and activities that encourage leisure, culture, sport, new technologies... 

Fuenlabrada is a member of the WHO Age-Friendly Cities project, which aims to adapt the city and its surroundings to the needs of this population.