The overall goal of the project was to contribute to the active ageing of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID) through the promotion of physical activities as a means to stimulate their wellbeing. The project addressed professionals and nonprofessional caregivers working with ageing PwID, aiming both at increasing their awareness and at promoting greater knowledge and skills related to the implementation of physical activities with PwID. More in detail, the project objectives were: _Increase the awareness of professionals and nonprofessional caregivers working with ageing PwID about the importance of physical activities for these latter _Promote physical activities as a means of improving life conditions and social inclusion of PwID _Improve the theoretical knowledge of the target groups about the benefits obtainable through physical activities _Improve the practical skills of the target groups about how to develop physical activity programmes and tailor them to the needs and capacities of PwID _Develop new methodologies and innovative learning resources that can be used by the target group to implement physical activities initiatives with ageing PwID
Ageing is a challenging process for everyone, often bringing medical, physical, cognitive and social difficulties. As people grow older, they may struggle to adapt to daily changes, risk isolation and lose interest in staying physically and mentally active. These challenges are even greater for people with disabilities, who face both age-related and disability-related barriers, leading to deeper social exclusion. Through this project, ASSOC and its partners aimed to overcome these barriers that hinder the active participation and full inclusion of ageing persons with intellectual disabilities (PwID), specifically through the implementation of physical activities that are tailored to their needs and conditions. The project consortium tried to address a common problem across the EU, where people with disabilities are living longer, developing new needs linked to ageing. However, medical services, social organizations and public policies have not been adequately prepared for this demographic shift and must adapt rapidly to ensure the dignity, participation and well-being of older adults with disabilities.