Within the framework of the projects of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chair Cuatroochenta of Artificial Intelligence, Health and Welfare of the Universitat Jaume I has participated in the study "Castelló, a friendly city for the elderly" research that has been subsidized by the City Council of Castelló de la Plana. The objective has been to make a diagnosis of the needs of older people in the city. Elderly people and other people related to the group have been consulted to know the perception of the degree of friendliness of the city.
Eleven focus groups were held with people over 60 years of age, formal and informal caregivers, and two groups composed of service providers for the elderly: one of management providers and the other of relationship providers. In addition, 351 people ranging in age from 60 to 86 years were surveyed. Of the total sample, 194 were women and 113 men.
Among the main results obtained, the following stand out:
The results of the focus groups have made it possible to draw up a list of proposals in the eight areas analyzed: outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, citizen participation, communication and information and social services and health for the city of Castellón to improve its level of friendliness. Among these proposals are the promotion of intergenerational activities, increasing courses on new technologies in the various associations, awareness campaigns to prevent discrimination against the elderly, increasing specialized mental health services for the elderly and caregivers, and increasing the number of benches in squares and avenues. The complete results of the study have been presented to the Castelló City Council in order to draw up an Action Plan to carry out the proposals obtained.