The aim of the SENIOR project was to bring together senior European citizens with European youngsters by researching in each participating organisation information regarding: - where intergenerational exchanges happens; - how they are organized in the three participating countries; - what are the activities that are usually proposed to ease an intergenerational exchange. Among the activities implemented in the 3 countries, partners selected best practices and structure a model of intergenerational encounter where youngster can share information regarding digitalization and new habits while older people can share their heritage and past history. Thus, the objectives of the project were to: -ease social inclusion of elderly European citizen in the society tackling risks of depression and exclusion; -support elderly in learning digital practices useful for taking care of themselves and actively participate in the European community; -support the preservation of European cultural heritage in younger generation.
The project idea was born due to the European aging population social phenomenon. While older people in Europe generally live longer, are healthier and more active compared to previous generations, they also tend to face multiple disadvantages, including loneliness and isolation. A significant prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among the European older population, is linked to factors related to old age. These include declining health and mobility limitations; lifecycle changes, such as retirement or becoming a carer; and age-related losses such as the death of a spouse/partner or friends. General demographic trends, as ageing population and greater geographical mobility, also contribute to a growing share of older people experiencing social isolation. Thus the prevalence of social isolation is expected to increase in the future. This is alarming, considering the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health in turn exacerbating vulnerability and exclusion from public life. On the other hand, European youngsters are losing tradition and knowledge of our parents and ancestors with the risk of losing European values and cultural heritage. Hence, combining these two groups seemed logical.