During the implementation—based on the evaluation of the application—we deviated slightly from our original objectives, which primarily aimed to prepare an Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project on the same topic. The planned goals remained the same (preparing individuals for aging; preparing families to support elderly relatives; establishing services that support the elderly and their families; promoting communication and cooperation between existing sectors and services; positively influencing the negative perception associated with aging as a life event and stage); however, we shifted the focus to enhancing the immediate effectiveness of the current project. Therefore, while we completed the originally planned feasibility study, we also produced the proposed online publications that summarize the training experiences, support their adaptation, and present research findings and best practices that can generate positive processes for the target group and their families. These publications not only strengthen the effectiveness of the current project but also provide long-term support for the target group and their families, helping them face the challenges of aging with greater preparedness.
The organizations involved see the challenges of aging as a pressing issue. For Western societies with an aging population, increasing spending on the elderly is unsustainable, leading to service cuts, often resulting in undignified old age. Instead of—or alongside—cost reductions, improving the elderly’s quality of life and health can be a solution, so they need less support from families or communities for as long as possible. In Hungary, neither families nor elderly individuals plan for the need for care in later years, and limited institutional options leave families facing crises unprepared. This lack of readiness is worsened by scarce and stereotypical information in the social services market. The applicant, Cogito Foundation, a psychiatric service provider, also notes a rise in elderly clients facing age-related issues. The lack of social knowledge cannot be addressed within healthcare alone. Therefore, education and preparation of families are crucial, incorporating international best practices and adapting them to local needs to ensure comprehensive solutions.