A study by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation argues that the best place to grow old is at home and in the community.

This is the main conclusion of the research work "Ageing in Place – Aging at Home and in the Community." The author António Fonseca, professor at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto and consultant to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, considers that other solutions are always artificial.

"Obviously, we always have to assume the importance of institutions like nursing homes, but the natural place for people to grow old is their home and the community they belong to, and the study builds on that assumption and explains what some of these are. Strategies that can be used locally to promote people's lives in homes, whether in large cities or a village in Bragança", he explained.

Despite considering that living alone is not necessarily a problem, as he understands that living in isolation is problematic, António Fonseca says it is necessary to strengthen the social network and promote active ageing.