The world of learning is multi-dimensional in terms of contributing to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of society. The project will look at one specific dimension of learning benefit, namely how the provision of learning to older people makes a positive contribution to active ageing and individual health and wellbeing. We will draw on the expertise available from partners in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Spain and UK.European demographic data highlights in all countries an increase in the average age of the population as a result of the twin trends of increasing longevity and reduced birth rates. With higher number of people in retirement it is important that people remain active, remain healthy, able to remain economically active and contribute positively to society. The project brings together seven geographic spread community focussed partners who provide valued learning provision for older people, which is creative in engaging and motivating learners. All partners have a story to share and recognise the value of learning from other similar providers in other countries. Through seven short-term joint staff training events we will provide a platform for experts to share learning techniques and methodology in areas such as quality standards, learning planning / delivery, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, mentoring, self-organised groups, working with specific target groups (e.g. men, women, migrants, Roma) and in specific topics (e.g. traditional arts & crafts, horticulture, reuse of materials, IT, language etc). Through the training events we will identify and develop good practice examples and publish these in a Good Practice Guide on How Learning Contributes to Active Ageing, which will be widely distributed to ensure learning is maximised to both internal and external stakeholders.
Context and back ground of the project: Life long learning is an important part contributor to active ageing and ensures that people stay active, have sense of purpose and do not become socially isolated which impacts on their mental health. Need to increase the circle of friends who they could rely on as families become more fragmented as a result of migration and economical reasons. The project fitted well with UK current agenda of keeping people age 50+ active and reduce loneliness. It is also important to increase longevity with quality of life through learning's and steps are taken to ensure there are facilities for people age 50+ to engage, the idea of this project was combined with other partners, to what best could be found which will help the target groups to stay active and healthy, as people are living longer it is important to keep the pressure of the NHS services and other services, hence the reason local stake holder are stepping in voluntarily or paid staff to run the activities, in the UK health walk was one of the example where it's run by the volunteers every week in the park, it has also helped to make good use of green space and being in the greenery benefits your mood and mental health. The project partnered with six other partners, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Lithuanian, Latvia and Spain to come together and address the issues that are concerning Europe. Objectives: The objectives of the project were to learn and share from partners the best practices how to keep people age 50+ engaged and what activities they are doing which could be replicated in other partner countries. Number and Profile of participation organisation: UK involved 9 organisation and individuals providing the activities, they included local groups, adult trainer, individual trainers providing activities to the older people, NGOs, count council, repair Shed and Radio Dacorum Spain: in their programme included 8 different organisation, sight visits, NGOs, theatre work shops by 2 different trainers and workshops on various topic. The community house was the key to all activities, it was a unique example of 120 nationalities living under on roof, provided activities to all ages from baby to 70 year old, what was learnt from this that sometimes it's important to have a roof over you head before we can event think of Active ageing. Lithuania: there were 8 different organisation engaged with the project as well as some seniors, Art Laboratory, which is a hub for people to come together and do the activities, Sport activity and body flex, visit to Lekeciai where national cooking was show cased, local NGOs, visit to tarakai region to learn about adult education center, University of third age, Art gallery, Sport university combined research with Coventry university UK to look at how to keep people active in old age as there is no funding left for pension, professional came together to find solution. Greece: nine organisation were engaged with the visit however local municipality has also been engaged with the project, the organisation included, Athens impact hub which is used as a hot desking and coming together to create ideas for projects, Musuem of folk Art, Starvros Niarchos Foundation, story telling with Stelious, Friendhips club and visit to amarousion Open Center for Senior protection. Latvia: involved almost 12-15 different organisations and individuals which included local municipality, NGOs, older lady dancing and music group, Regional development center, Gym and physio session, recycling session, visit to medieval castle, Library, Nordic walking in nature, Adult education center, NGO preserving cultural and historical craft traditions. Bulgaria: art therapy workshop, visit to retirement club, trip to Zlatograd where following workshops took place, Saddler, weaving, Pottery and tailoring. visit to Plovdiv, which is 8000 years old town. Italy: included six interesting organisation, lots of NGOs working with older people as well as people struggling financially, autistic people, Co- housing scheme, Urban gardens included inter- generational learning. sight seeing of Rome and learning about history with senior volunteers. Results and Impacts mentioned later on in result and Impact section. Long term benefits are also added in the Impact section, however can highlight that the participants who did take part in the mobilities have further developed their volunteering skills and have carried out activities in their home countries, nature park, litter picking, healthy cooking, other benefits include finding new ways of up skilling through volunteering and creating social friends as well as thinking outside the box.