Under the motto “It is not the end, it is the beginning of a new stage”, the activity carried out at the Mistralian Center of the study house brought together older adults from the commune.

With the aim of empowering older adults in society and providing them with a series of recommendations for their health care, the students of the Nursing program at the University of La Serena held the XVI Conference for the Elderly “It is not the end , is the beginning of a new stage” at the Mistralian Center of the ULS (Las Compañías), aimed at seniors in the commune of La Serena.

The activity was framed in the closing of the subject: “Gerontological Care”, a fourth-year elective of the degree, which focuses on development not only in terms of knowledge regarding the care of the elderly, but also skills such as empathy and teamwork.

“This is an activity that we have been doing for 16 years and we have always had a very good reception from the community. Older adults learn, have a good time and always ask to be able to repeat instances like these,” said the academic from the ULS Department of Nursing, Mg. Carmen Retamal, she respected the reception that exists on the part of the community to the development of this activity.

For her part, Paula Cepeda, a 4th year Nursing student, indicated that it is important that instances like this be generated as a career, since they contribute to the development and integration of the community. “I think it is very necessary to share knowledge with elderly people who are often left aside socially, since through this activity we not only provide a space for distraction to older adults, but we also help develop their capabilities.” and skills,” he said.

Finally, María Yolanda González, participant in the activity, indicated that it is important for the University of La Serena to train future professionals with the necessary knowledge to provide good care for older adults. “It is excellent that students are prepared so that when they practice their profession as nurses, they know the care they must take for the elderly, being empathetic with them and better understanding the problems they may present,” she said.

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Written by Tomás Rodríguez, DirCom