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Life is good for those over 60 in San Javier, a new study finds
Residents enjoy better physical fitness than the national average, thanks to local sports programmes and sunny weather
Many have long suspected life in San Javier was good, but now a recent study confirms it. Commissioned by the municipality’s Department of Social Rights and Family and conducted with the University of Murcia’s Faculty of Sports Sciences, the study involved over 500 residents aged 60 and above.The results show this group enjoys better physical health and functionality than their peers across the country, a success attributed to active municipal sports programmes, especially those aimed at seniors, and the area’s pleasant climate that encourages outdoor activity.
Raquel Valero, the study’s director, highlighted a need to boost strength training, which showed the lowest scores among participants. A public event on Wednesday November 12 at 6.00pm in San Javier’s Winter Theater will present the full results. Each participant will receive a personalised report along with a strength-focused exercise routine to do at home.
The study looked beyond physical health, measuring psychosocial wellbeing too. It found that people living in La Manga suffer from higher loneliness and depression, feeling less supported by family and friends. Seniors in El Mirador showed lower physical fitness levels than those in San Javier and neighbouring Santiago de la Ribera. Those in care homes scored lowest across all areas, partly due to their older age: typically 10 to 15 years senior to other participants.Age was another key factor, with the youngest seniors faring best. While women made up most participants (400 out of 500), making gender comparisons difficult, the study suggests women tend to be more aware of self-care. Valero called the research “a pioneering study in Spain” that will help direct resources more effectively and tailor programmes to suit the elderly population’s real needs.
Councilor María del Mar Pérez praised the over 20-strong research team and participants. She said the study, part of the “Aging 2.0” programme, will enable the municipality to better serve and support its growing senior community.
Fieldwork involved eight sessions with participants moving through stations measuring strength, agility, body composition, loneliness, depression, and more. Data analysis also considered residents’ different neighbourhoods, enabling future programmes to address specific local needs.
This upbeat study puts San Javier firmly on the map as a great place to age well and stay active.
Image: Ayuntamiento de San Javier/Facebook
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Calle Padre Juan. Centro Cultural Principe de Asturias 30720 SAN JAVIERTel: 968 571 704
Oficina de Turismo de San Javier
The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors, as well as two information points. The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera, on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga. There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral.
Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months, although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season.
Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall, Plaza de España.
Timetables summer 2024:
Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720, Santiago de la Ribera)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Telephone: 661 572285
Email: turismo@sanjavier.es
La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km. 0 30380, La Manga del Mar Menor):
May 1 to September 30:
Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00
Telephone 968 128955 ext. 2
Tourist information point of San Javier (Plaza de España, 30730 San Javier):
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00
968 573 700 ext #5351
Email: concejaliadeturismo@sanjavier.es
Tourist information point of Santiago de la Ribera (Paseo Colón on the seafront)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral, km 12)
Weekdays 11.00 to 18.00
Weekends and public holidays 11.00 to 14.00
