Active Aging

Within the project Active Aging and 4 Ways to Kick Post-Retirement Depression, specialists in adult education training aim to guide senior citizens (65+) towards a more active and conscious lifestyle through a toolbox of various activities and strategies to help neuroplasticity and cognitive function and to stay engaged. The trainers play a central role as they engage directly with the focus target group. Therefore, it is crucial for them to develop skills in providing psychological support and a firm knowledge of strategies to use.

The World Health Organization defines individuals aged 65 and older as “elderly.” Eurostat estimates that the share of this age group in the EU will rise from 21.1% in 2022 to 31.3% by the end of the century. Globally, 1 in 6 people will be over 65 by 2050. Coupled with increasing life expectancy, this highlights significant growth in the retired population. Retirement, often linked with old age, is seen both as a reward for hard work and a potential trigger for depression, stress, and anxiety – studies show retirees experience 28% higher depression rates than the general adult population. This is not due to aging itself but to a lack of purpose. Retirement should mark a phase of self-discovery, where individuals pursue meaningful interests beyond work. Both during and after their careers, professional guidance and self-awareness are essential for cultivating values and personal growth.

  • Enhancing Educator Competencies: Training educators to apply techniques such as Ikigai (Mindfulness Journaling, Onggi) and Rhythm Therapy to address stress and retirement depression, while equipping them with foundational skills in Urban Gardening and Meditation.
  • Expanding Access and Inclusivity: Increasing the number of retired individuals engaging with adult education institutions.
  • Fostering Learning Opportunities: Promoting participation in adult education among retired and elderly groups by helping trainees discover personal hobbies and life goals.
  • Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being: Supporting individuals in crisis to overcome challenges, learn relaxation techniques, and develop innovative educational settings that integrate nature and prioritise health.
  • Encouraging Active Aging: Facilitating urban gardening activities to promote physical activity among retirees.
  • Strengthening Community Development: Enhancing professional expertise through international collaboration, reintegrating retirees into social life, and fostering mutual cooperation and intercultural dialogue among major organisations and nations.

Duration
21 months (03 Nov 2024 – 02 Aug 2026)

Programme
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps
KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in adult education (KA210-ADU)

Participating Countries
Germany, Turkey

Overall budget
EUR 60.000

EU contribution
EUR 60.000

At Outdoor Against Cancer, we are dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being and quality of life for retired people. In the Active Aging project we are responsible for:

  • Overall Project Coordination and Management: Facilitating effective communication among partners, monitoring project progress to ensure activities are executed efficiently and successfully, providing guidance and support to partner organisations, overseeing the implementation of all project activities, and coordinating the dissemination of project results.
  • Learning Teaching Training Activities: Smile to Life (Online) and Make Room for Meditation in Your Life. The first activity is a series of online webinars introducing and applying an intervention known as laughter therapy. The second activity, organised by OAC, is an in-person, multi-day workshop focusing on meditation, featuring various program elements throughout its duration.

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Coming Soon: Active Aging

Rediscover purpose after retirement. Find out more soon!

Co-funded by Erasmus+ Program

Active Aging is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and National Agency Education for Europe at the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (NA at BIBB). Neither the European Union nor the managing authority can be held responsible for them.

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