The project met the needs of the participating organisations to expand their adult education offer to new target groups, particularly adults aged 65+, while learning how to address their needs and put in practices measures for support. The project also answered the need of expanding the Erasmus+ programme to seniors and implement international mobilities for this target group, allowing to strengthen European connections among older adults. The overall objective of R YOU 65 was to promote the quality of life for older adults (+65 years old) that both maintains health and is meaningful. This objective was divided into the following specific objectives: 1. Allow seniors to further proclaim their identity 2. Expose seniors to the usage of art works to unveil their culture 3. Give a unique window into the minds and thoughts of the elders 4. Widen Erasmus+ programme popularity to different aged bands 5. Allow the elders to make commentary on the culture around them 6. Contribute to successful aging Ultimately, the project aimed at empowering seniors through creativity, enabling them to reflect on their own culture through international experiences, and challenging them by making art and organising cross-national expositions.
The older adult population of the European Union is growing rapidly. In 2019, there were 90.4 million older people (aged 65 years or more) living in the EU-27. Italy was the European country with the largest share of elderly population (22,8%). As the EU population ages, it is significantly important to promote a quality of life for older adults that both maintains health and is meaningful. The project addressed the needs of seniors in Europe, in particular, the need for social inclusion and support to combat loneliness. Many older individuals face isolation, which can lead to mental health issues and reduced quality of life. By engaging seniors in art and creativity activities and the organisation of international exhibitions, we respond the need while promote active engagement in their local communities and created structured opportunities for challenging themselves and explore their identity through art. Finally, the project was an opportunity to showcase the artistic achievements of elder artists to challenge stereotypes about aging and provide older adults the chance to engage within their communities and across Europe.