La Massana elderly association marks 20th anniversary

The Association of the Elderly of La Massana has marked its 20th anniversary, serving as a social refuge for pensioners in the parish. The organisation was born from an initiative by the then president of the Federation of the Elderly of the Principality of Andorra, Mr. Samper, who in 2004–2005 sought to ensure La Massana had representation in the federation.

Three dates mark the association’s origin: the founding event on 25 October 2005, the formal public filing before a notary on 7 November 2005, and the approval of its statutes on 6 December, the date usually taken as the reference. The statutes were drawn up under the supervision of the first president and founder, Secundí Camps Martí, and set out aims that remain current: addressing the needs of people over 65, enlivening members’ free time, fostering personal and social relations, organising activities and courses, and affiliating with similar associations.

Maria Rosa Garrallà served as president until February 2024 and handed over to the current president, Carme Vilana. Across its history the association has had six presidents, four men and two women. It has roughly 130 members; about 100 attended the anniversary lunch at the Hotel Rutllan. The celebration also included a roundtable with past presidents and representatives, a small bottle of cava for attendees, and a concluding dance.

The association does not have a dedicated premises. It uses various local venues — notably the parish manor house (casa pairal) for lunches and publicity, and the Hotel Rutllan for larger events. Since Vilana took over, the board meets on the first Monday of each month in the Sala Indret, provided by the Comú de la Massana, while Vilana manages much of the administration from home using a municipal computer.

Past initiatives that complement the activities organised by the Comú include cultural outings, a New Year’s concert and guided visits to sculptures across the principality led by Josep Maria Ubach, followed by parish lunches — a programme initiated under Garrallà — as well as pétanque games in the Plaça de les Fontetes. Members say these activities help restore motivation and a sense of purpose after retirement.

Under Vilana’s current mandate, a priority has been member safety: the association issues a card on which members can note a trusted contact’s telephone number to use in case of problems.