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EMPATHISE AND INCLUSION WITH THE ELDERLY

2023-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0001245072023Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: IT|MK|RO|TR|EL · Grant: €25,652
Physical and mental health, well-beingInternational relations and development cooperationDisabilities

Objectives

For individuals of all ages, regular exercise is an indispensable part of both physical and mental health. Many chronic diseases that occur with advancing age have led to serious limitations in individuals' daily activities, reducing their mobility and consequently their quality of life. Additionally, the sedentary lifestyle, considered one of the biggest problems of our time, has contributed to these situations. When elderly individuals can meet their personal needs, they can continue to live without the need for care from their families and the state. Therefore, it is important for elderly individuals to be involved in daily activities. It is well known that exercise is effective in preventing or delaying many diseases and injuries. In many studies, it has been observed that exercise practices among the elderly have led to improvements in their physical and mental functions. Paying attention to the eating habits of elderly individuals along with exercise ensures a healthier aging process. Therefore, the necessity for elderly individuals to be involved in many daily activities has emerged. In particular, there are many activities that the elderly can do in daily life, both at home and outside the home. Along with the benefits of exercise, there are also some risks, especially if not done correctly. For this reason, working with people who can guide the elderly has helped them to protect themselves and perform the correct practices. In addition to regular sports and exercise activities, it has been observed that the sense of belonging and worth has weakened in elderly individuals, leading to situations such as stress and depression. With social activities conducted with young people, it has been possible for elderly individuals to move away from this feeling and spend their aging process more efficiently. Old age is a situation that should not be associated with negativity, and with effective measures that can be taken, it can become a period in which people can spend a healthier and more productive time. Today, it has been seen as a problem that young people are less empathetic compared to the past. In a society formed by young people who lack empathy, it is inevitable that the effect of solidarity and communication will decrease. Knowing the knowledge and thoughts of young people about the elderly has allowed young people and caregivers to approach the elderly more harmoniously and understand their needs. In line with the changes in the aging process, examining the perspective of all countries on aging, developing programs for the elderly to continue their lives by activating them, increasing their functions, integrating them into society and with young people, raising awareness among young people on the subject, regaining lost status and roles, evaluating the perspectives of young people and harmonizing them with youth in this direction. The creation of targeted programs and efforts to increase advertisements in the work to be carried out in this direction in visual media have been very important to strengthen this bond. Especially in the lockdown processes that came with the pandemic period, people remained inactive, especially the elderly experienced some negativities in terms of movements they can do at home and in terms of their continuity. Having young guides who motivate and encourage the elderly to act anywhere and anytime has been effective in transforming this negative situation into a much stronger and positive one. In this project, the aim was to develop solidarity and empathy between young and elderly individuals, to enable the elderly to work with young people to make physical exercise a habit in their daily lives, and to offer an active life opportunity to elderly individuals by involving them in social activities for young and old alike. A total of 35 people, including 6 young people and 1 leader, participated in the project from 5 countries, and elderly individuals were selected from those aged 50 and over who were in good health to engage in physical activity with young people. The sub-objectives of the project were listed as follows: - Establish and develop a sense of empathy between young and old, - Ensure that elderly people feel valued in society, - Enable young people to become aware of the concept of social responsibility and to participate in projects in this area, - Increase equality and intergenerational solidarity, - Strengthen the bond between young and old, - Increase the number of elderly people who exercise as a daily habit, - Enhance and support the psychosocial rehabilitation of the growing elderly population, - Strengthen and increase social sensitivity and awareness among young people.

Project partners (5)