The objectives of Grey4Green project are: • To promote active aging and contribute to climate action efforts by involving senior citizens in nature conservation volunteering programs, and by improving staff competencies to develop and implement such programs; • To optimize the elderly’s potential as productive citizens and as agents of change; • To support adult learners (seniors + 3rd age personnel) by providing high-quality training and international exchanges, fostering key competencies and skills; • To generate environmental awareness, and promote EU values; • To promote environmental, social, language, literacy, intercultural, and interpersonal skills in senior citizens and third age personnel; • To produce high-quality outputs (i.e., publications, handbooks, an online platform, and videos) to encourage the implementation of senior volunteering programs; and • To promote and advocate for social inclusion, active aging, and environmental policies.
Europe has an aging population due to low birth rates, high life expectancy, and increased migration, which in turn impacts its social, health, and economic policies and spending: overall the total public spending for aging is expected to increase by 1.7% to 26.7% of GDP between 2016 and 2070. The EC believes that quality aging is the responsibility of all and can only be sustained through the participation of multiple sectors. People are encouraged to take the lead in implementing programs addressing quality and active aging. The environment and the fight against climate change are also issues that need urgent action. The Grey4Green project addressed active aging and environmental action, and the specific needs of this consortium’s organizations and their target audiences. It aimed to capacitate partners to implement senior volunteering programs through training, videos, and co-learning and sharing of social and environmental expertise. It encouraged seniors to actively volunteer for the environment, becoming agents of change and decreasing loneliness among them.