Who cares for the carers? This article by the Social Observatory of ”la Caixa” explains the changes that have taken place in the figure of the carer and also the importance of carers receiving care too.

Tine Rostgaard, a lecturer in Citizenship and Elderly People in Denmark, introduces in this interview the concept of reablement and explains how work is being done in other countries to stimulate the elderly people’s independence.

Why is the number of elderly women who live alone continually increasing? The Social Observatory of ”la Caixa” studies the causes of this phenomenon, which has important implications in the design of welfare policies.

To what point do elderly people participate in political activities? Some 6.5% of men and 4.3% of women aged between 65 and 74 years in our country participate actively in politics.

Happiness depends on many factors, prominently including participation in cultural and leisure activities. This article from the Social Observatory of "la Caixa" reflects on this theory in relation to the individual and social dimensions of culture.

In Spain, smoking and road accidents are responsible for an important loss of years and quality of life. Have the legal measures taken in recent years had any effect on this problem?

Spain’s Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation, Carmen Vela, describes in this interview the strengths of the current system and highlights those fronts being worked on with regard to the medium and long term.

In what areas will science and technological innovation have a positive impact in the next 15 years? The view of citizens.

This index allows comparison of the level of innovation in different regions. Measuring variables such as infrastructures, business activity or tangible results, it shows that in Spain there is still much work to be done.

How much do countries invest in R&D? In more dynamic economies, the business sector is the major funder, whereas in Southern Europe, the governments lead investment.