Journalist Carlota Fominaya wins award for redefining ageing through storytelling

ABC journalist Carlota Fominaya has received the Las Arcadias Senior Living Award in the Committed Diffusion category. The prize recognises her work in giving voice to older adults and shifting public perceptions of ageing. Her interviews with residents of Las Arcadias have highlighted positive stories often ignored by mainstream media.

The awards ceremony also honoured other social figures, including Esther Vaquero, the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, and Carmen Navarro. Organisers described the event as a way to thank those who inspire younger generations and challenge ageism.

Fominaya's reporting has focused on the experiences of seniors living in co-housing communities like Las Arcadias. The Madrid-based development offers luxury apartments for people over 65 who live independently, without needing external care. This model, common in Northern Europe, remains less widespread in Spain, where family networks traditionally play a stronger role in elderly support.

Since 2021, senior co-living projects in Spain have grown modestly, particularly in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Rising housing costs and an ageing population have driven demand, though adoption still lags behind countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. There, cooperative housing and intergenerational communities are well-established, while Southern European approaches tend toward smaller, family-oriented arrangements.

Marta Torrenteras, director of Las Arcadias El Encinar, explained that the awards aim to celebrate those who promote respect for older adults. Journalist Jota Abril praised Fominaya's dedication to social issues, noting how her work in ABC's Family section brings attention to overlooked topics. The first edition of the Premios Senior Living Las Arcadias seeks to combat negative stereotypes and encourage learning from older generations.

The awards highlight efforts to redefine ageing through media and community initiatives. Fominaya's journalism, alongside projects like Las Arcadias, reflects a gradual shift in how society views mature age. While co-living models remain niche in Spain, recognition of such work signals growing interest in alternative approaches to senior living.