The objective of the project was to provide new, innovative ways of social inclusion for elderly individuals through creative arts, specifically theater. We wanted to raise awareness among younger generations and elderly individuals themselves about the valuable experiences and contributions that older people can share and it seeks to challenge and change age-related stereotypes, promote intergenerational learning, and create a supportive context for positive social relationships, engagement, and inclusion. By developing theater activities we created safe spaces for expressing and addressing social issues related to ageism, ultimately improving the wellbeing and health of elderly individuals. Additionally, the project improved the competences of educators and other adult education staff, enhancing the availability of high-quality learning opportunities for adults and enabling greater social inclusion.
We applied for the "Creation POP" project to tackle the pressing issue of an aging population across Europe. By 2050, the global share of people aged 65 and over is expected to rise to 16%. This demographic shift presents significant challenges, including ageism, social exclusion, and the erosion of intergenerational solidarity. Ageism negatively impacts civic engagement, social participation, health, and economic stability. Additionally, 122.3 million Europeans face the risk of poverty or social exclusion. Our project addressed these issues by promoting active aging and social inclusion through creativity-based intergenerational activities. With the project we created an environment that fosters intergenerational learning, bridges social divides, and combats age-related stereotypes. By developing innovative theater-based methodologies and toolkits, we created manners to empower older adults, enhance their social participation, and improve their overall wellbeing. This project also raised awareness among younger generations about the value and contributions of older adults, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.