Andorra's Ageing and Health Service Marks Fifth Anniversary with Open Day

Andorra's Ageing and Health Service at SAAS celebrated its fifth anniversary on Thursday with an open day that drew visitors to its facilities at the Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell building for Consultes Externes. The event featured tours, discussions with staff, and a conference by service head Eva Heras titled "A New Model of Care for Ageing: Five Years of Experience."

Launched in January 2021 shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic began, the service has seen exponential growth, including more than a 200% increase in outpatient consultations driven by referrals from primary care. Heras, a geriatrics specialist, noted strong results in hospital care, convalescence, and acute psychogeriatrics, with improved patient outcomes from specialised geriatric attention.

The multidisciplinary team comprises five doctors, nurses across specialties, rehabilitation therapists, physiotherapists, a social worker, and a physical trainer. Heras highlighted its holistic model, addressing not only medical issues but also cognitive, emotional, social, and functional domains to treat the person as a whole.

Community initiatives include the APTITUDE project, which has evaluated nearly 900 people for frailty and recently published findings in an international scientific journal. SAAS director general Meritxell Cosan described the service's launch as a major success in her opening remarks, underscoring the importance of prevention and early action.

With projections estimating more than 20,000 Andorrans over 65 by 2031—reflecting a trend of retirees staying in the country—the service faces pressure to expand. Heras said current resources provide a solid response but will need to grow with demand, though no budget has been allocated yet. She stressed early detection of physical, cognitive, or emotional frailty through exercise, cognitive stimulation, and social support to maintain autonomy and prevent dependency.

"Ageing is a privilege thanks to health and social advances, but it must come with autonomy," Heras said. "We need to add life to years, not years to life." The event concluded with a cake-cutting attended by staff and visitors.