The third edition of the Seniors Fortnight began this Monday, October 5, 2026 in the Alpes-Maritimes. For fifteen days, the Department offers activities, meetings and exchange times around healthy aging, autonomy and support for seniors and their caregivers.
The opening day took place in the presence of Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, deputies Christelle D’Intorni and Bernard Chaix, Éric Ciotti, mayor of Nice and president of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, as well as several departmental elected officials.
Jacques Gente, vice-president of the department responsible for health and seniors, Valérie Sergi, vice-president responsible for disability and deputy mayor of Nice, as well as Jean-Pierre Lafitte, departmental councillor, also participated in this day.
A forum dedicated to healthy aging and caregivers
The Healthy Aging Forum constitutes the opening event of this Seniors Fortnight. About thirty stands were gathered around leisure, support arrangements, access to rights and health prevention.
The day also offered several activities. Two performances of the musical comedy “Babeth’s Retirement” were notably scheduled. Interactive workshops and exchanges with professionals specialized in supporting seniors complemented the program.
For Charles Ange Ginésy, the transition from one day to a fortnight reflects a desire to make support a long-term commitment. « We have now organized this day for several editions, and over the years it has grown and enriched. From this one day, we have moved to a full fortnight, because the needs are numerous and the support we wish to provide must be able to extend over time. »
The various stands notably address administrative procedures, prevention, health, well-being, mobility, digital technology and housing. Home automation and solutions designed to facilitate daily life and enable people to stay at home also have a place in this edition.
« Our ambition is simple: to give seniors the best means to remain independent, to live at home as long as possible and to maintain an active, social and fulfilling life », emphasizes the department president.
The “Seniors in Action!” program at the heart of departmental policy
The Alpes-Maritimes Department has pursued a policy dedicated to healthy aging for several years. Since 2012, the program “Seniors in Action!” is aimed at Alpes-Maritimes residents over 55 years old.
Cultural and leisure activities, workshops, competitions, events and shows are offered throughout the year. Some activities are free or accessible at preferential rates in order to encourage participation from as many people as possible.
Prevention of loss of autonomy is also a focal point of this policy. Since June 2015, the Department has participated in the establishment of the Commission of Funders for the Prevention of Loss of Autonomy in Elderly Persons. This body brings together various institutional actors in order to coordinate actions carried out in the territory.
The objective notably consists of facilitating access to information on existing arrangements and developing prevention actions promoting elderly people to remain at home.
The Seniors Fortnight also makes it possible to highlight the role of caregivers. « I also want to express my thoughts and give a big thank you to all caregivers, who are present daily with their loved ones. Their commitment, availability and kindness are essential. They play an indispensable role, often discreet, but absolutely decisive », declares Charles Ange Ginésy.
For fifteen days, the various meetings should allow seniors, their loved ones and professionals to find information, discover activities and exchange about solutions to preserve autonomy.
« Because aging is not about giving up living fully. Our aim is to allow each person to extend the years of life, but above all to give more life to the years », concludes the president of the Alpes-Maritimes department.
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