From a young age, Philippe Rossini was deeply involved in associative activities, starting at the age of 7 when he was already active in his parish, trained by elders to whom he enjoyed distributing poems and songs.
Later, he founded the association “Entraide et Partage,” which has been assisting seniors in Nice and the Azure region for 14 years, and Saint Roch Mission, which has been operating in the neighborhood of the same name for nearly 16 years.
Professionally, Philippe Rossini has adeptly managed his career from the position of Delegate to the Prefect for city policy, which he holds today, through roles such as chief of staff of the commander at the Mont Agel airbase and head of the registry at the Nice detention center.
Interview with Philippe Rossini
President of the associations “Entraide et Partage” and “St Roch Mission”
Nice Premium: Philippe Rossini, how did you perceive this “Star Academy” for seniors?
Philippe Rossini: The Starseniors is a project straight out of the “Entraide et Partage” drawers, an association of which I am the founder and have been president for 12 years. I presented the project to Jean-Michel Galy, deputy municipal councilor for senior citizen engagement (a friend of nearly 40 years), who immediately wished to partner on this project. The concept is very simple: to animate and uplift seniors. We thus decided to work straightforwardly on this Starseniors project, keeping in mind respect and tenderness towards our charges. We are not talent hunters but rather dedicated animators. Once launched, I was the first surprised to learn of the partnership with Nice-Matin, which extensively covered the “event” and did not skimp on promotion, as it’s not common to make the front page! Applicants are always numerous, and the first two castings went wonderfully.
Talent, emotion, and tenderness are present, much to our delight, but that surprises no one; we expected high-quality participants, and we are not disappointed. The finale on November 29 will probably be fabulous. Dick Rivers will chair the jury, and other names from the world of entertainment have favorably responded to our invitations; we expect many beautiful surprises… I find this very interesting for seniors who, for some, are realizing a long-held dream: to perform on stage! It justifies well the efforts we deploy for the success of this event.
NP: You have worked for years with seniors in Nice and the Azure region. If there were to be an assessment, what would it be?
PR: Society is undeniably changing, and seniors are not just sitting back and “watching the train go by.” As a child, I remember actions that were carried out in our neighborhoods: afternoon teas, some entertainment, meetings of what was called in parishes “ascending life,” and retirement often signaled the end of civic engagement.
Today, it changes radically, first with the extension of life expectancy allowing far more people to reach very advanced ages, inevitably altering the duration of work, and nowadays more and more seniors are still in professional activities. Our seniors are now athletes, non-profit activists, artists, dancers, travelers, internet users and they take an active part in the organization of our cities. They are autonomous much longer than before and this is something to be celebrated.
NP: There are many events and operations offered to Nice seniors, what is causing this new enthusiasm for our elderly?
PR: Many events are offered to seniors in Nice! Should we complain about it? This was not always the case, and if today Nice thinks about all of its seniors (from the wealthiest to the most destitute), it proves the dynamism and audacity of our community.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian ESTROSI, recently encouraged me to continue and intensify “Entraide et Partage” actions in favor of seniors. It might seem surprising, but I have never received such encouragement before! Thus, we can expect a renewal regarding seniors. I also trust Jean-Michel GALY; I know his energy, and I can assure you that things will move…
NP: “Entraide et Partage,” can you tell us more about your association?
PR: “Entraide et Partage” continues its missions: food aid, financial support, assistance to young children, two emergency social housing units, and also senior entertainment in our “East” areas, Pasteur-Bon-Voyage, Saint-Roch, Riquier, Le Port neighborhoods. Times are not easy but we manage to hold on. We have over 200 members, including about fifty very active seniors who run the clothing thrift store on Rue Caïs de Gilette and the trinket shop on Rue Jean André. “Entraide et Partage” owes them a lot. Without them, the curtain would definitely be drawn.
NP: Three wishes for the coming decade concerning life beginning at 60?
PR: Life does not begin at 60; it continues, and I believe each period of our life has its charm and deserves to be lived. My three wishes for the coming decade are simple for seniors: that they live in perfect harmony with the younger generations, that they live in serenity and joy, that society shows them solidarity.
