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Raúl García Hémonnet/Editor
'Convive' is a program designed to strengthen intergenerational ties between single older people and young students from other cities or countries. The student will have a home and a quiet environment to develop their studies while enriching themselves with the experience of the older person.
The coexistence is developed within an agreement that regulates the commitments and rights of both and under the monitoring by the technical team of Solidarios para el Desarrollo.
The experience can start at any time of the year. It is intended to have continuity until the end of the academic year, with the possibility of extending it each year until the student completes his/her studies.
The student will not make any monetary contribution for rent, but must contribute an amount in compensation for the expenses generated in the home (electricity, gas, water) up to a maximum of 90 euros per month (amount to be defined in each case at the request of the older person).
The young person must have sufficient income to cover the personal expenses of daily life (food, transportation, etc.).
In return, the participating students must agree to share the day-to-day with the older person at the agreed times (a minimum of approximately 2 to 3 hours per day). In this common time, jointly carry out the activities that both agree on: (walking, cooking, chatting, shopping, visiting the doctor, etc.) In addition, you must be at the elderly person's home before 22:30 p.m. hs, except the weekly day of free disposal.
Young people have one day (24 hours) each week to go out, including at night. They may also be absent from the elderly person's home one weekend per month (approximately 48 hours) and during the 3 major academic holidays (Easter, July and August and Christmas/New Year).
Seniors over 65 and young people enrolled in participating universities
People over 65 who live alone may participate in the program. They must present a psychophysical state that allows them to fend for themselves and have a home in habitable and hygienic conditions that they are willing to share. To do this, they must have a room enabled for the students and what they need.
Students, for their part, must be between 18 and 36 years old and be enrolled in one of the universities participating in the program (URJC, UCM, UAM, UC3M, UAH and U. Comillas). They must be sensitive and motivated people to live with an older person. In addition, they must be communicative and open to dialogue. They will have between 2 and 3 hours (minimum) a day to share with their host. On the other hand, they must show flexibility to adapt their habits and lifestyle to living with an older person.
Registration to participate in this new edition of 'Convive' opens on July 18. They will be done through the web http://convive.org.es/ . The program is managed by Solidarios para el Desarrollo and the Madrid City Council in collaboration with the six aforementioned universities.