By implementing this project we wanted to: -Promote active ageing through the involvement of senior citizens in nature conservation volunteering programmes, and through the capacitation of personnel working in the third age sector to develop and implement such programmes; -Valorise the elderly and all their potential as productive citizens; -Support adult (senior) learners by providing high-quality training fostering key competences and skills; -Generate environmental awareness, and promote European citizenship values; -Promote language, literacy, ICT, intercultural, and interpersonal skills in senior citizens and in the third age personnel; -Promote social inclusion and active ageing policy.
The ageing of population is a worldwide phenomenon with critical implications for all sectors of society. Due to low birth rates, high life expectancy and migration flow dynamics, worldwide population is “turning grey”, and Europe is not an exception. An ageing population brings social, health, economic, and other issues. The project started from the questions: How do we help people remain independent and active as they age? How can we strengthen health promotion and prevention policies? How can the quality of life in old age be improved?, and attempt to collaborate in assuring that senior citizens remain a valuable resource to their families and communities, as stated in the WHO Brasilia Declaration on Ageing and Health in 1996. Partners planned a project aiming at fomenting active ageing policies that would bring added-value to both the communities and the elderly. When inquired about what prevented agents (or the elderly) to implement outdoor programmes, they responded the staff lacks competences to address nature-related actions and to organize safe outdoor activities.