On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), a unique action has emerged in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Known as Projeto Viva Feliz (“Live Happy Project”), the initiative is led by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and has been a beacon of hope for seniors in the region, offering a range of activities.
Established in 2006 by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to draw global attention to the issue of violence against the elderly—an issue that is often neglected or ignored.
Viva Feliz, with its variety of activities, ranging from crafts and outings to physical exercise, directly aims to combat isolation and depression, common among the elderly and often aggravated by violence and abuse. They are held at ADRA's headquarters, located in the Hidráulica neighborhood in Rio Grande.
Among the many stories that illustrate the positive impact of Viva Feliz, an episode shared by the coordinator of the initiative, Ana Carolina Ferreira Freitas, stands out. She tells the story of an elderly couple participating in the project who, even though they were temporarily away in another city for three months, remained engaged. According to Ana, the couple continued to perform the physical activities and even took part in marathons in the municipality where they were, showing the commitment and the lasting impact of the initiative in their lives.
Emphasizing the health and well-being of the elderly, the project also focuses on providing guidance on healthy eating and exercise—areas that have been strategically chosen to improve the quality of life of the participants.
Constant Support
In addition, Viva Feliz stands out in the fight against elder abuse. Ana mentions that the project team has already participated in marches for the Quebrando o Silêncio (“Breaking the Silence”) movement and offered lectures about the rights of the elderly. "Actions like these, in addition to activities planned for Elder Abuse Awareness Day, corroborate the project's core mission," she points out.
Even in the face of challenges, such as the need to finish the construction of a kitchen and a room for meals and healthy eating workshops, the initiative remains open to the arrival of new volunteers. "As far as they are concerned, we are willing to embrace everyone who arrives," Ana points out. This openness underlines Viva Feliz's commitment to welcoming the community and strengthening the support network for the elderly. You can support this project with your donations at https://doacoes.adra.org.br/rs/people/new.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.
