AIM The project “GOLD- Good Practices for OLD People” aims to promote old aged people as an active part of the society, making them participate in social activities, maintain and improve their mental, physical and social skills, feel included and have the potential to offer and be valuable for the younger generations by sharing their experiences and life-long accumulated wisdom. CONTEXT European population is ageing with almost 20% of it over 65 years old. A large percentage of old people (especially those with health problems) are disconnected from the community. According to Eurostat’s data 32% of people over 65 live on their own compared to 14% of the total population. The Policy Brief for EU on Loneliness indicates that the elderly are more likely to face social isolation than other age groups compared to those aged 26 to 45. Adding to this, old people are 9% more likely not to engage in social activities. Social Isolation is mentioned as one of the main challenges in long term-care in Europe (Νational policies, 2018). TARGET GROUPS -People over 65+ years old - Health care professionalsdoctors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, educators and other relevant professionals. -Carers of old people -Organizations of carers, Institutions for elderly, nursing and care homes and other relevant institutions OBJECTIVES -exchange of best practices on social inclusion, life-long education, mental and physical health, access to social life and digital world for people over 65 years old. -promote social interaction and intergenerational activities -explore, share, promote all good practices that bring old people out of of isolation -extend the skills and competences of adult educators and other personnel (social workers, psychotherapists, etc) as well as relatives and friends -enhance intergenerational education and lifelong learning by giving prominence to activities and good practices focused to the experiences of the elderly and their social value for European cultural heritage through transferring of their memories to the younger generation. -fight stereotypes about old people. MATERIALS PRODUCED During the project’s lifetime, partners will produce the following materials for their country -1- Mapping of the status and needs of old people 2- Collection of good practices on social inclusion and health maintenance of old aged people -Best GOLD practices that have been applied tested and verified within the partner organizations for the elderly, addressed also to educators-trainers-related professionals. -Short Videos from partner organizations’ experiences with projects concerning people of age 65+ All this material will be available on the “GOLD” project’s website OUTCOMES Old people -will experience new methods of social inclusion, health maintenance and engagement in society and digital world through the training of their trainers -will develop new social and digital competences and skills Adult educators,professionals - will improve their skills by attending C1 and C2 training activities, get informed about best practices of “GOLD” and get a hands on experience on the best practices included in this project - will increase their competences on social inclusion and health maintenance of old people through the material produced by the project -will become aware of new tools to approach old people and this will have a great impact in their everyday life changing the perspective of their interaction with their relatives, friends, carers, health professionals and young volunteers. Other stakeholders like NGOs, carers organizations, late-care institutions and venues, policy makers on 3rd age sector: - will become aware of the good practices of “GOLD” - will be provided by innovative good practices of GOLD which they can actively implement and approach the older generation. CONSORTIUM The project meets a transnational need for inclusion and wellbeing of people over 65. The partners Challedu (Greece), E-seniors (France), Frodizo (Greece), Reading for others (Greece), University of Muenster (Germany), Association GENERATIONS (Bulgaria), come from different backgrounds and are capable of creating a holistic approach. The materials be developed through the project, will be of global interest and will have the ability to be applied in different environments.
Inclusion of people over 65+ old, their active participation in intergenerational activities, promotion of maintenance of mental and physical health of old people, change of attitude towards old people by breaking relevant social stereotypes are the main objectives of the GOLD project. The GOLD project aimed to: -exchange of best practices on social inclusion, life-long education, mental and physical health, access to social life and digital world for people over 65 years old. -promote social interaction and intergenerational activities -explore, share, promote all good practices that bring old people out of of isolation -extend the skills and competences of adult educators and other personnel (social workers, psychotherapists, etc) as well as relatives and friends -enhance intergenerational education and lifelong learning by giving prominence to activities and good practices focused on the experiences of the elderly and their social value for European cultural heritage through transferring of their memories to the younger generation. -fight stereotypes about old people
The EU population is aging as almost 20% is over 65 years old. Seniors (especially those facing health problems) are excluded from local communities. Based on the Policy Brief for EU on Loneliness, seniors face more social isolation than other age groups since 32% of them live alone compared to 14% of the total population (Eurostat). GOLD results address needs per target groups meaning: - Old People: maintenance and improvement of their health (mental, physical) and wellbeing strengthened by being socially active, feeling respected and useful, actively participating in social events and life as well as the digital era -Health care professionals: new and tested activities changing the context of caregiving, inclusion and healthy aging of seniors. -Carers: new ideas for family and friends to interact with people over 65 in a pleasant and valuable manner for both sides. -Organizations of carers, Institutions for elderly, nursing and care homes etc: They are always searching to implement innovative methods (for example the good practices discussed during GOLD project) In general, GOLD results were created by a consortium focusing on healthy, active aging and inclusion of seniors and serve as a portfolio of inspiring activities.