Five senior centres in Torrejón de Ardoz operate as climate shelters, catering to around 3,000 weekly users. This summer, activities such as exercise circuits, fresh lemonade, and memory books are being added.
Torrejón de Ardoz has been actively running a network of climate shelters for seniors for two years, which this summer incorporates new activities to promote active ageing. The City Council has set up five senior centres distributed across the city, where around 3,000 residents visit each week to protect themselves from high temperatures.
The shelters not only provide a climate-controlled space but have also become social meeting points. The mayor, Alejandro Navarro Prieto, highlighted that “as a new feature, fresh lemonade is offered at affordable prices to promote proper hydration during the hottest days.” Additionally, notebooks with memory exercises and puzzles are provided to stimulate mental agility.
One of the centres, located on Madrid Street, has installed an exercise circuit using stickers on the floor with adapted movements to improve mobility and balance. Reading areas and a book exchange point have also been set up, along with dance and social activities.
The Councillor for Seniors, Ana Verónica González, stated that “we want these centres to be meeting spaces to prevent unwanted loneliness, to converse, participate in activities, create new friendships, and feel accompanied.” The aim is for the climate shelters to go beyond just protection from the heat.
The centres also operate in winter as climate-controlled spaces. The Senior Centre on Madrid Street additionally offers a daily menu seven days a week, with balanced meals that can be taken home.
Centres and Hours
The network consists of five centres: the San José Senior Centre (Pamplona Street), open from Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00; the El Parque Senior Centre, every day from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:30; the Avenida de Madrid Senior Centre, from 09:00 to 20:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 to 19:30); the La Cañada Senior Centre, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00 (weekends and holidays from 09:00 to 22:00); and the Calle Madrid Senior Centre, every day from 09:30 to 22:00.
Residents of Torrejón de Ardoz can visit any of these centres without the need for an appointment. The initiative has established itself as a key resource to protect the elderly population during heatwaves, a group particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The City Council reminds that, in addition to the shelters, it is recommended to stay hydrated, avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, and wear light clothing. The centres will remain open throughout the summer and winter, adapting their hours according to demand.
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