“I’ve always felt strongly that Madeira should be an example of how to care for people as they age,” Ana shares. “By doing so, we’re not just improving the lives of older people, but we’re also benefiting the environment, tourism, education, and the economy.” This holistic vision underpins her drive to foster a more inclusive community on the island. 

“My background is in nursing, specifically psychiatric and mental health nursing,” Ana explains, highlighting her extensive experience in public health. With a master’s degree in public health, a lot of specialised training in public and health administration, and years spent managing risks related to public health threats, she decided to shift her focus to care integration and long-term care services in Madeira. “Being curious about the experiences of older adults and their needs has taught me a lot,” she reflects. ‘”That drives me to provide the best care possible.” 

Ana’s passion for this work is reflected in her leadership of several impactful projects aimed at building collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and the community. One of the core pillars of her approach is political commitment. “The government recognised the importance of this work, and now we have a dedicated department,” she explains. “Though we’re a small team, we collaborate across sectors, and the support we’ve received from the government is crucial.” 

Ana’s vision is clear: she sees Madeira’s older population as a treasure trove of wisdom and experience, rather than a demographic burden. “Many of them are vulnerable—some sick, dependent, or poor—but they’re also incredibly rich in wisdom,” she emphasises. This perspective fuels her drive to create an environment in Madeira, where older individuals can thrive and contribute positively to the community. 

Under her leadership, the Integrated Care Model was introduced, which seeks to streamline healthcare services for older adults. “We’re working closely with healthcare professionals to ensure that our older population receives holistic care,” Ana explains. This project emphasises the importance of collaboration across sectors to address the complex needs of individuals as they get older. 

Another initiative currently being planned, the Patient-to-Patient Education Programme, empowers individuals living with chronic diseases to share their experiences and support each other. “When older people with chronic diseases are empowered to share their stories, it gives them strength and a sense of purpose,” she explains. This approach not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among participants. 

One of the most innovative projects that exemplifies the transition from ageing to longevity is the Mobility and Intergenerational Learning Bus initiative. This unique project not only addresses transportation accessibility but also promotes intergenerational learning. The bus serves as a mobile educational hub, where older adults and young people come together and where they connect. “We want to break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful interactions,” Ana highlights. By creating opportunities for dialogue between generations, the project encourages mutual understanding and collaboration, contributing to a more cohesive community and contributes significantly to the sustainability of the  regional health system.

Ana’s dedication to creating a a health-promoting environment for older adults extends to combating ageism. Her department is starting to work closely with local schools to promote intergenerational understanding. “Ageism starts early,” she acknowledges. “We want to create a community where everyone—young and old—can learn from one another.” Interactive workshops bring students and older adults together to share stories, challenge stereotypes, and build empathy. 

In 2021, Ana and her team established the first government department for longevity—a bold and unprecedented move in Madeira and across Europe. “We’ve been working toward an age-friendly region ever since,” Ana explains, emphasising that this initiative is about more than just healthcare. It’s about reshaping the region’s infrastructure, services, and even tourism to reflect the value of an ageing population. “The idea is to integrate longevity into everything—from social services and healthcare to education and transport. We want everyone to feel included.” 

Ana also plays a key role in our City of Longevity network, where she works with other global leaders in ageing to exchange knowledge and best practices. “I’m starting an online course on integrated care this October to learn and bring in best practices,” she states, exemplifying her belief in the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. 

 Her efforts are laying the groundwork for a community where older individuals can thrive, not merely age. As Ana reflects on her journey, she shares that the political commitment from the government has been the backbone of the department’s success. “That’s the most important part—the government recognised the importance of this work, and now we have the means to do it.” 

Through these combined efforts, Ana’s leadership is setting a powerful example not only for Portugal but for communities worldwide. “In our culture, the word ‘ageing’ has negative connotations. We want to redefine this concept to promote longevity and the right to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” Ana affirms. By shifting the focus from ageing to longevity, Madeira is redefining what it means to grow older and how communities can adapt to support all generations.