People aged 65 years or older are facing exclusion from some public sports facilities in Madrid, such as the Vallehermoso center, which is managed by the private company Go Fit. These facilities have long waiting lists and have established unauthorized quotas purportedly to prevent applying discounts for seniors, which raises concerns about accessibility for this age group. The original promotions indicated that Vallehermoso was intended to serve everyone, but recent practices suggest otherwise.

The Vallehermoso sports center was inaugurated in November 2014 by the former mayor of Madrid, Ana Botella, as the first public sports facility in the Chamberí district, which has historically had fewer public installations. The center was hailed as a community sports hub meant to be accessible to all, including older adults, yet the reality is now quite different. The association of public-private management of these facilities complicates the situation, as it demands that the services offered remain comparable to those of fully public centers.

The cost for seniors aged 65 and older to access the Vallehermoso facility is significantly higher at 14.25 euros per month, compared to the nearly 5 euros charged to younger patrons. This disparity highlights the challenges older citizens face in accessing recreational facilities, heightening discussions around equity and access within public services. Questions arise about the social accountability of such public-private partnerships in fulfilling their commitments to community service and support for the elderly population.