The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- held the closing ceremony of the 4th edition of the "Golden Age" Program this Wednesday, August 12th. This institutional initiative promotes the well-being, active participation and social integration of older people, while also strengthening the link between the university and the community.

The program was created in 2024 by the UMECIT Rectorate, under the leadership of the Rector, Dr. José Alberto Nieto Rojas, with the purpose of contributing to the quality of life of older people through spaces for training, support, coexistence and social integration.

The fourth edition took place from July 22 to August 12, with a program focused on different dimensions of well-being, through workshops on Intergenerational Technology; Health, Mobility and Self-Care; and Emotional Well-being and Mental Health.

“Golden Age” is developed by the National Directorate of Extension and Community Engagement as part of UMECIT’s commitment to university social responsibility and community engagement. This initiative creates spaces for intergenerational interaction where senior citizens, faculty, and students share knowledge, experiences, and learning.

One of the highlights was the active participation of students from the Nursing, Psychology, Tourism, Technology, Physiotherapy and Social Work programs, who, under the guidance of their teachers, developed training and activities aimed at the participants.

In this way, the program allowed students to take their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom, applying them in real-world community service contexts and strengthening their human, professional, and intergenerational skills.

In turn, the older adults participated in spaces designed for the acquisition of new knowledge, the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of their overall well-being.

The activities were aimed at promoting healthy habits, emotional well-being, social integration and intergenerational relationships, as well as raising awareness among students about the value and importance of older people within the family and society.

A closing to celebrate what has been learned

The closing ceremony included the presentation of the program's main results, the awarding of participation certificates to the senior citizens, a cultural presentation, testimonials from participants and family members, as well as a space for interaction between university authorities, teachers, students, participants and guests.

During the ceremony, it was emphasized that “Golden Age” represents an experience in which the university transcends the classroom to reach out to the community and put knowledge at the service of people, promoting an education with a human touch and social commitment.

With this fourth edition, UMECIT reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting outreach and social engagement initiatives that contribute to human development, active aging, inclusion and the well-being of Panamanian society.

The day culminated with the official photograph of authorities, participants and guests and a space for toasting and fellowship, as a closing of an experience that strengthened the links between the university and the community.

UMECIT continues to build spaces where knowledge is shared, generations meet, and education is transformed into service to the community.