O.I was determined to promote a positive footprint to foster the well-being of direct participants and the community as a whole. In pursuit of this goal, the challenge of cognitive decline was addressed with particular attention, integrating targeted strategies within the project. The primary objective was to create new and meaningful opportunities for individuals over the age of 65, focusing especially on enriching their language skills and promoting active citizenship. In addition, it strengthened activities related to active ageing and social inclusion by reforming education systems and lifelong learning processes. These changes were implemented gradually, favouring the continuous improvement of skills and competences. This approach has facilitated the alignment of the needs of an ageing population with the demands of a dynamic market and global economy. Moreover, it has played a crucial role in bridging a growing language gap that poses a threat of generational social exclusion in several communities.
The ANCESCAO is a democratic, non-partisan association that acts in total harmony, does not discriminate and is non-profit making. The Association pursues aims of utility and solidarity to help the elderly avoid the loneliness and marginalisation typical of old age and, at the same time, to promote at all levels initiatives for the defence of peace, the environment and a new quality of life, and to carry out cultural, recreational, artistic, maintenance gymnastics, tourism, stays, spa treatments, garden cultivation and other activities that can foster and consolidate the socialisation of the elderly. The O.I. (English Olympiad) project is aimed at exchanging good practices between organisations working in the field of the Third Age to create training opportunities for the over 60s with the dual purpose of supporting adult education to prevent cognitive decline in the participating organisations and ensuring skills for the over 65s to participate in English language activities. The project led to the discussion and definition of guidelines to propose a new methodology for teaching English to adults.