Businesswoman and philanthropist fromthe traditional Ermírio de Moraes family, Regina Ermírio de Moraes has built over the past decades a consistent presence in the third sector. At the helm of the Instituto Velho Amigo, a non-profit organization founded in 1999, Regina leads one of the country’s most relevant initiatives focused on promoting dignity, inclusion, and quality of life for elderly people in situations of social vulnerability.
Based in São Paulo, the Instituto Velho Amigo was born out of Regina’s personal mobilization in response to the reality of neglect and invisibility faced by many elderly people. What began as an effort to support care institutions has, over the years, evolved into an organization with consolidated governance, continuous programs, and nationally recognized activities.
In 2025, the Institute inaugurated the Regina Costa Community Center in Heliópolis, the largest favela in São Paulo. Named in honor of Regina Moraes’ mother, the space has become a milestone in the organization’s trajectory and hosts a significant portion of its activities.
It is there that socio-assistance services are provided with qualified listening, workshops, physical activities, social gatherings, and actions aimed at strengthening community bonds and promoting rights.
Beyond its work in Heliópolis, the Institute also supports institutions that serve elderly people in 10 states across different regions of the country and carries out humanitarian actions. Under the leadership of Regina Ermírio de Moraes, Instituto Velho Amigo stands out for its collaboration with companies, volunteers, and partners, expanding its capacity to serve and fostering private sector engagement in the agenda of dignified aging.
Regina’s trajectory in philanthropy reflects a continuous commitment to building a society that recognizes and values the multiple dimensions of aging. Instituto Velho Amigo continues to expand its impact and strengthen the understanding that aging with dignity is a right that must be guaranteed by society as a whole.
By Carla Branco