SEVILLE, Spain (CMC) – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with the “La Caixa” Foundation to promote inclusive, innovative, and sustainable solutions in response to population ageing in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The “La Caixa” Foundation is a not-for-profit banking organisation based in Spain that works to build a better future with more opportunities for those most in need.

“With this alliance, we continue to promote a vision where ageing can be an economic opportunity. A vision that recognises the value of older adults as an active force for development, and that creates space for new jobs, adapted financial services, and sustainable care solutions,” said Ilan Goldfajn, president of the IDB Group.

Director General of the “La Caixa” Foundation, Josep Maria Coronas, said interest in the financial stability of older adults and the dignity of ageing has been a core value of the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation since its inception and remains alive today.

“In fact, in our recently presented 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we have not only reaffirmed this commitment but also added new lines of action in this area, particularly focusing on longevity and all that it entails,” she added.

The IDB said that the partnership includes co-financing projects that improve access to financial and care services for older adults, promoting policies for the economic inclusion of older adults through knowledge-generation initiatives.

It is also intended to foster the development of a silver economy entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting the value of older adults as active agents of development.

The IDB stated that, although the region is still relatively young, with only 11 per cent of the population over the age of 60, it is expected to undergo the fastest ageing process in the world in the coming decades.

It said that this demographic shift presents urgent challenges in health, pensions, housing, and caregiving. However, it also opens new opportunities for job creation, innovation, and the development of new economic sectors.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: senior employment and entrepreneurship, with initiatives to harness the potential of older adults; longevity-adapted financial services; and caregiving, through sustainable and innovative infrastructure and services.

The partnership is also part of IDB Cares, an initiative that promotes the expansion of access to quality care services in the region.

“With this alliance, we continue to promote a vision where ageing can be an economic opportunity. A vision that recognises the value of older adults as an active force for development, and that creates space for new jobs, adapted financial services, and sustainable care solutions,” said Ilan Goldfajn, president of the IDB Group.

Director General of the “La Caixa” Foundation, Josep Maria Coronas, said interest in the financial stability of older adults and the dignity of ageing has been a core value of the La Caixa’ Foundation since its inception and remains alive today.

“In fact, in our recently presented 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we have not only reaffirmed this commitment but also added new lines of action in this area, particularly focusing on longevity and all that it entails,” she added.