Latest news and stories about elderly care in daily life in Portugal for expats and residents.
An analysis of the gaps and lack of oversight in the home care sector for the elderly and vulnerable in Portugal.
Pedro Candeias explores the fragility of the elderly support ecosystem, highlighting how society often overlooks the challenges of aging until personally affected.
Analysis shows that the average retirement pension is insufficient to cover the full annual cost of residential care facilities, highlighting a significant financial challenge for the elderly in Portugal.
Social isolation and an aging population present increased challenges for low-density territories. In Góis, the Aproximar Project seeks to address these needs through regular activities aimed at older individuals, promoting social interaction, community participation, and well-being. Launched in 2025, the initiative currently covers four locations within the municipality.
It is estimated that in 2025, 238,401 people living in Portugal will have some form of dementia
The author reflects on the challenges of increased longevity, arguing that existing nursing home facilities are insufficient and that new social and support systems are urgently needed to ensure a good quality of life in old age.
The PSP detected signs of mistreatment of the elderly, serious safety failures, and a lack of licensing at a residence for the elderly operating in Belas, in the municipality of Sintra, and has referred the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office, it was announced today.
The Public Security Police (PSP) provides support and safety measures for elderly citizens.
There is a prevalence of property-related crime, especially thefts and scams.
The provider of the Santa Casa de Vale de Cambra, António Pina Marques, states that the goal is to “increase the maximum installed capacity” because there are “many people to serve.”
The Leões de Portugal association is presented with a crystal award.
Since 27 July, the Public Security Police (PSP) has identified 284 elderly people, 182 of whom were in situations of social risk, as part of the 'Solidarity Has No Age' operation, which only ends on 25 September.
According to the PSP, the objective of the operation is to intensify direct contact and dialogue with the elderly population (aged 65+), aiming for the earliest possible detection of cases of social vulnerability.
“The first signs of dementia appear about 10 years before diagnosis,” says Filipa Dias, an ageing consultant and dementia specialist: “love is not enough, and caregiving changes the caregiver.”
There is neither space nor time for the Portuguese elderly. Society turns its back on them, and they live well aware of the burden they represent for the younger generations. Opinion piece by Rui Esperança
The project took 11 years to complete. “Today, the village includes 26 houses, a medical and nursing centre, physiotherapy, a laundry, an auditorium, a function room, a bar, central services and spaces dedicated to physical exercise,” says Father Domingos Costa.
The Estou CãoTigo project started in Mortágua and now covers three municipalities. It includes home visits and visits to social institutions, and the benefits for the senior population are visible.
Home News GNR and Portuguese community support around a hundred elderly people with telecare services GNR and Portuguese community support around a hundred elderly people with telecare services One hundred elderly individuals facing risks, isolation, or social vulnerability across seven municipal
The 'Solidarity Has No Age' operation begins today. In 2025, 559 people were identified, 391 of whom were in at-risk situations.
Portugal has 2.6 million elderly people. About 100,000 live in institutions, mostly in the Lisbon area. 90% of residents pay up to two thousand euros per month.
José Carlos Batalha comments on the challenges of an ageing population in Portugal, stating that current efforts are insufficient to address the issue.
The president of the FITI organisation highlights the urgent need to address the growing issue of social isolation affecting older people in Portugal.
With 360 participants, the free project from the Coliseu do Porto brought those living in isolation into cultural and social life — and is now studying ways not to “leave them stranded” at the end of the two-year period.
Home News Dogs help elderly people in Portugal combat isolation and grief Dogs help elderly people in Portugal combat isolation and grief More than a hundred elderly people in Penacova, in the Coimbra district, are supported by the “Estou CãoTigo” project, which uses dog-assisted interventions to
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in the elderly. Many occur at home and can be prevented with simple measures and attention to risk factors.
Home Algarve The care company helping people age with dignity in the Algarve The care company helping people age with dignity in the Algarve Five years after launching in Portugal, SAAR Homecare has grown into a team of around 150 people, providing live-in and person-centred care for the country'
In the case of mental illnesses, the three liars are: 1) the illness; 2) the patient; 3) family members, neighbours, and friends.
A conversation with nurse and PÚBLICO columnist Carmen Garcia about ageing and how society treats the elderly: “In Portugal, entering a care home is synonymous with exiting society”.
Coimbra records a decrease in the number of homeless people, while cases of elderly people living alone or being mistreated are soaring.
Today, being elderly in Portugal, especially without full autonomy, is far from an easy task.
