Description
This project proposes a set of actions aiming at the direction of active and healthy aging. The project consists of lectures, seminars, informative printed materials, media interventions, workshops, building empowerment institutions (friendship clubs, social networking, creative teams e.g. dance, tour, etc.), lobbying and interventions at policy makers etc. These actions aim at both the general population and groups such as the elderly (older than 60 years old), caregivers, employers, organizations that come into contact with the elderly (KAPI, KEFI, primary healthcare centers, local government welfare services, nursing homes, etc.). The project aims at changing stereotypes about aging, both in the general population and amongst the elderly. It seeks to remove barriers to inclusion and empower older people, to reduce the psychological burden and prevent physical illnesses that accompany old age, as well as increase the participation of the elderly in social activities and cultural events.
Summary of project results
According to the statistical demographic data of the region of Ioannina Epirus Prefecture, the rate of population ageing (elderly over 60 years of age) is about 27,8% of the population, quite higher than the corresponding proportion in the entire Greek territory that is 24,7% and presents both internal differentiation (in urban-semirural area is 21% and in rural areas 41%) and a strong upward tendency. The main outcome of the project is that for the first time was implemented an innovative social program for a vulnerable population group (elderly) concerning the active and healthy ageing through a structured, supervised and comprehensive way. In particular, during the implementation of the project, were carried out activities and actions aiming to inform and make aware of active aging both for the elderly participants to the project and the policy makers and the community, provide basic benefit’s services to the participants, promote intergenerational solidarity and mutual learning and dissemination of knowledge, support (defense) elderly rights (legal counseling), encourage the social networking and the participation of older people in policy and decision - making processes. Furthermore, there were produced and distributed two tutorials associated with healthy aging issues and were made seven institutional interventions at administrative, welfare, professional and scientific institutions of the project’s area. From the project were directly benefited more than 200 (due to the contact) elderly people and indirectly, approximately (1.225) other people who are associated both with the families and with the local population and the authorities of the region.
Summary of bilateral results