Between a festive banquet and an orchestra, the city of Nîmes celebrates its seniors during the traditional seniors’ meal

Chaque année, Le banquet des aînés permet de favoriser le lien social et les rencontres entre seniors. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

This Wednesday, January 31, marks the start of the usual seniors banquet. Established at the exhibition center for two days, the event hopes to bring together up to 2,700 seniors.

Having become an institution, each year, the seniors banquet gives seniors over 70 the opportunity to get together and fight against isolation. With the presence, in large numbers, of local elected officials and certain Nîmes sportsmen, the annual meeting hopes to bring together more than 2,700 participants.

A record crowd for this first day

"There are 1,300 of you gathered here today,began by explaining the mayor of Nîmes, Jean-Paul Fournier, during his traditional inaugural speech. This is a record for a first day!&quot ;, he continued, smiling. Accompanied by local elected officials including Marie-Chantal Barbusse, deputy delegate for social action, some Usam players and their president David Tebib , the speech of the first councilor concluded with a Marseillaise taken up in chorus by the entire audience. Let the party begin!

Bouquets of flowers and scarves in Usam colors were given to the few seniors whose birthday it was. Free lunch – Pierre Meuriot

Like every year, the organizers transformed the space into a festive place, decorated with care, creating an atmosphere conducive to celebrating the wisdom and experience of elders . Elegantly set tables, service guaranteed by around forty students from the Voltaire high school and a musical atmosphere provided by the Richard Gardet orchestra contribute to making this event a truly special event. nbsp;an important moment at the start of 2024.

Beyond deliciousness, the seniors' banquet also highlighted the community's commitment to the well-being of its elderly members. Through this event, Nîmes once again demonstrated more than that it is a city where life is good, highlighting its values ​​of inclusion, respect and intergenerational solidarity.

Nîmes, a city where life is good

Through the experiences of seniors who have chosen this city as a place to live, a mosaic of moving testimonies emerges, highlighting the very essence of what it means to grow old in a community. nbsp;welcoming and attentive. For Marie-Claire, "this city has a soul, a history that envelops you. The picturesque streets, the lively markets… It's not just the sunny climate, it's ;#39;general atmosphere of conviviality which makes me happy here", explained the one who is originally from Nîmes and who does not wish to live anywhere else.

The seniors' meal is also an opportunity for local elected officials to meet the city's seniors. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Beyond the sun, what also matters is the quality of health services. With its numerous accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people (EHPAD) and senior residences, the city of Nîmes positions itself as a city where “life is good”. For Henri, "the medical centers are well equipped in Nîmes, and there is particular attention paid to the needs of seniors, explained that who has been participating in the event for three years. This contributes greatly to our overall well-being."