<< Background >>OBJECTIVESThe project’s general objective is the promotion of physical activity, as one of the most important components in the notion of active ageing, aiming to change older people’s mindset, by encouraging their participation to physical activity at any form and intensity, and under any physical condition, for improving their quality of life in physical, mental and social terms. The project’s specific objective is the education and training of adults from various professional profiles, having relation to promotion of active ageing or social and health care of older people, to act as promoters of physical activity to older people population, of:1. Direct target group : Adults from various professional profiles (direct target group) around the promotion of active ageing for older people as it is: - Physical educators working in gyms, active ageing organizations, physical activity clubs- Other social and health care related professionals (clinicians, social workers, physiotherapists, nurses)- Physical activity, culture organization members- Tourism and recreational organizations and facilities- Adult and VET providers2. Indirect target group: People in third age and their caregivers (irrelevantly of their health status and level of autonomy), that need to know more about including physical activity, in their daily routine, or need a motivation to abandon their passive or sedentary lifestyles.Despite the highly publicized benefits of physical activity, the overwhelming majority of older people throughout Europe does not meet the minimum physical activity levels needed to maintain health. 66 Indeed, only just a quarter of people aged over 65 years meet the minimum recommended activity levels needed to maintain health (Department of Health 2011). The sedentary lifestyles that predominate in older age results in premature onset of ill health, disease and frailty.These facts coincide with world-wide policy interest in the promotion of physical and mental wellbeing for people in third age, and the compression of morbidity into fewer years of later life, driven by concerns about increasing expenditure on health and social care in an ageing society.The social inclusion and empowerment of the ageing population can bring significant benefits to social and economic aspects, different demands for health-related products and services and for an overall reorganization of leisure. The promotion of healthy ageing is thus a growing policy priority. (EUROHEALTH NET)It is therefore important to undertake initiatives that:a) promote physical activity as a crucial component for the adaptation and cultivation of active ageing lifestyle, that presupposes the empowerment of people in third age to enjoy their participation in all aspects of social and economic lifeb) subvert the seemingly contradictory co-existence between biological decline and promotion of active or healthy ageing.<< Objectives >>- Provide adult learners with new skills and new interventions in a sector that presents many opportinities and is progressing rapidly due to demographic ageing- Changing the mind set of older people regarding the benefits and necessity of being engaged into physical activity sessions, through the emphasis on positive physical activity behaviors and through decomposing barriers and negative attitudes about physical activity- Battling of still existing misconceptions about ageing focusing on biological decline and by that overlooking actions that promote a better quality of life- Use physical activity as a social cohesion tool, which can be used by any individual, regardless of physical abilities, personal needs, resources and shortcomings.Exactly because the objective of the project is the training of people who are close, or work close to older persons (physical educators in gyms or other community or private facilities, coaches in clubs having older adults sections, social and health care workers, practitioners, formal and informal caregivers), the project presetns a high quality learning opportunity:- To make prople in third age more active in prsonal, social and economic aspects - Because of the applicability of the content to many different profiles and situations for older people, that at the end becomes a valuable, flexible tool in the hands of the direct learners to increase the resultfulness and applicability of their tasks<< Implementation >>- The development of a training and education content based on the relevant analysis of the needs and requirements of the project's target groups- The development of an e-learning platform accompanied by a mobile app for the best possible use and adaptation of the learners to the training material- The validation of the training and education content and of the e-learning tools<< Results >>• Raising awareness on the benefits of physical activity in third age. Only a fifth of older people undertake a level of physical activity sufficient to lead to health benefits. Thus, adhering to a physical activity can be difficult particularly when the benefits of exercise are often not immediate. Under this perspective it is a priority the introduction of PA to older people, by positively adjusting it to personal approaches, and making clear the benefits (both physical and mental) of starting, or re-starting a physical activity under certain consistency and self-commitment terms. • Change of the mind set of older people regarding the benefits and necessity of being engaged into physical activity sessions, through the emphasis on positive physical activity behaviors and through decomposing barriers and misconceptions that may result in unnecessary self-imposed activity restriction. Many sedentary adults hold erroneous, negative, and self-defeating views about their ability to exercise. They may assume they are too old to exercise, that it won’t do them any good, or that exertion would be harmful and could lead to falls or pain. • The role of physical activity on the empowerment of older people under a chronic disease or with reduced autonomy due to frailty or disability. Participation in PA and exercise can contribute to maintaining quality of life, health, and physical function of older people with morbidities. Chronic diseases and frailty are bearers of both physical and psychological overload, and intensify negative emotions such as resignation, indifference, lack of mood. Physical exercise adapted to the patient's capabilities and specific living conditions, can also act as an a non-discriminating factor, challenging the wrong conception between a third age of activity and agelessness and a fourth age of frailty, dependency and confinement to medicalised institutions.• Contribution to the development of third age physical activity teams, in gyms, sport clubs, recreation and leisure infrastructures, and in communities with significant social and economic value.

<< Background >>In Europe, informal caregiving contributes to more than three quarters of all long-term care provided, around 80%, (Petrini et al., 2019) and according to Eurocarers (2017) statistics, informal carers number more than 100 million. The Covid-19 pandemic situation has shown how essential their contribution is for the sustainability and resilience of European long-term care systems and at the same time has exacerbated existing inequalities between women and men in almost all areas of life, rolling back on the hard-won achievements of past years (European Commission, 2021). Indeed, an open issue to be highlighted concerns the specific gender difference in caregiving. Worldwide there are many more women than men providing informal care. In OECD countries, including France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Slovenia, 61% of informal carers providing daily care are women. About two-thirds of these care for a parent or spouse, but caregiving patterns vary across age groups (OECD, 2019). A large body of evidence indicates that women suffer more than men from the negative consequences of providing care (Petrini et al., 2019). Informal caregiving is argued to have all the characteristics of a chronic stress experience; it creates physical and psychological strain over extended periods of time, is accompanied by high levels of unpredictability and uncontrollability, has the capacity to create secondary stress across multiple life domains such as work and family relationships, and often requires high levels of vigilance (Vitaliano et al., 2003).All these data highlight how necessary it is to prevent and work on the psycho-physical health of informal carers, not only through adequate and certified laws or regulations, but also through a multicentre action that supports them and enables them to acquire new skills and competences.<< Objectives >>Considering the data described in the previous section and the needs planned to address, the RESIL4CARE (RESILience FOR informal CAREgivers) project aims at improving the coping skills of informal carers and empowering them in their role through the use of social media platforms capable of creating specific online support groups. Throughout the project, social media platforms will facilitate the creation of new links and friendships, promote the sharing of experiences and knowledge, resulting in more resilient and responsible informal carers across Europe. In fact, Facebook, with 2 billion monthly active users, has the potential to partly address this societal priority and to deliver impactful and cost-effective online family carer support (O’Sullivan, 2021).Furthermore, in order to ensure the quality and sustainable management of these platforms, a training manual for a group of facilitators will be prepared, together with other innovative materials and tools for different groups of informal carers (young carers, elderly carers, working carers, male and female carers, carers of people with dementia and other chronic diseases, etc.). In conclusion, special attention will be given to tutorials to bridge the digital divide, especially for older carers and those reluctant to use social media platforms. All related ethical issues, GDPR and European and national regulations and guidelines that will allow for full respect for the privacy and preferences of end users will be respected.<< Implementation >>The RESIL4CARE partnership includes 6 participants from 5 European countries: France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Slovenia.Istituto per Servizi di Ricovero e Assistenza agli Anziani (ISRAA), Corporation for Succor and Care of Elderly and Disabled (FRODIZO), Institut Antona Trstenjaka (IAT) and Institut Valencià d'Atenció Social-Sanitari (IVASS) are care provider partners and have significant expertise and experience with the informal carers in their organizations. In Valencia (Spain), IVASS will strongly collaborate with FUNDACION DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA PARA LA PROMOCIÓN ESTRATEGICA EL DESARROLLO Y LA INNOVACIÓN URBANA (LAS NAVES), a very active organization who has a vast knowledge in social inclusion and participation, well-being and health of citizens. Interactive 4D (ID4) has been chosen due to its technological background and capacity in developing multimedia content.The activities planned include:A report that will deliver the determinants that partners will define as the most relevant for the promotion of positive attitudes and overall resilience of informal carers. A training course manual on how to set up and run social media support groups and online materials for informal carers that will be used on social media platforms.A ICT training toolkit that includes video tutorials and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to facilitate the creation and usage of online support groups in the social media platforms.A document that contains the RESIL4CARE evaluation method and toolkit used for the ongoing assessment of the quality of the product and for evaluation of the competences acquired by core group facilitators and informal carers.Sustainability and promotion actions that include guidelines on describing the strategies and the procedures on how to utilize RESIL4CARE final outcomes and the consultation with local stakeholders related to carers.<< Results >>The final expected project results and outcomes are:To produce new data, to review and extend previous knowledge about the resilience of the topic of informal carers, with a particular focus on the use of social media platforms as a psychosocial support channel.To support, reach, connect, and empower the resilience of a few hundred informal carers thanks to online support groups set up by local core groups of facilitators.To overcome the digital gap and promote e-literacy among all ages of informal carers, enabling them to participate in online support groups and other social media platforms, with the help of video tutorials and MOOC.To improve the overall situation of informal carers in Europe thanks to the sustainability actions.Furthermore, the impact of the project on the informal carers is expected to produce: Creation of useful learning contents that will improve the quality and range of services and interventions provided;Increased skills, competences and knowledge that could potentially improve their quality of life by strengthening their social inclusion;Development of crucial networks with other informal carers (nationally and across Europe) to share knowledge and experiences;Creation of opportunities for EU collaborations and for the co-creation, adjustment and accessibility of innovative material inspired by the experiences;Innovative methods for the implementation of RESIL4CARE best practices in other countries and organizations (other than those that were initially conceived and implemented) via shared knowledge and expertise between all partners and stakeholders involved;

AIMThe project “GOLD- Good Practices for OLD People” aims to promote old aged people as an active part of the society, making them participate in social activities, maintain and improve their mental, physical and social skills, feel included and have the potential to offer and be valuable for the younger generations by sharing their experiences and life-long accumulated wisdom.CONTEXTEuropean population is ageing with almost 20% of it over 65 years old. A large percentage of old people (especially those with health problems) are disconnected from the community. According to Eurostat’s data 32% of people over 65 live on their own compared to 14% of the total population. The Policy Brief for EU on Loneliness indicates that the elderly are more likely to face social isolation than other age groups compared to those aged 26 to 45. Adding to this, old people are 9% more likely not to engage in social activities. Social Isolation is mentioned as one of the main challenges in long term-care in Europe (Νational policies, 2018). TARGET GROUPS -People over 65+ years old- Health care professionalsdoctors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, educators and other relevant professionals. -Carers of old people-Organizations of carers, Institutions for elderly, nursing and care homes and other relevant institutionsOBJECTIVES -exchange of best practices on social inclusion, life-long education, mental and physical health, access to social life and digital world for people over 65 years old. -promote social interaction and intergenerational activities -explore, share, promote all good practices that bring old people out of of isolation -extend the skills and competences of adult educators and other personnel (social workers, psychotherapists, etc) as well as relatives and friends-enhance intergenerational education and lifelong learning by giving prominence to activities and good practices focused to the experiences of the elderly and their social value for European cultural heritage through transferring of their memories to the younger generation.-fight stereotypes about old people. MATERIALS PRODUCEDDuring the project’s lifetime, partners will produce the following materials for their country-1- Mapping of the status and needs of old people 2- Collection of good practices on social inclusion and health maintenance of old aged people -Best GOLD practices that have been applied tested and verified within the partner organizations for the elderly, addressed also to educators-trainers-related professionals. -Short Videos from partner organizations’ experiences with projects concerning people of age 65+All this material will be available on the “GOLD” project’s website OUTCOMESOld people-will experience new methods of social inclusion, health maintenance and engagement in society and digital world through the training of their trainers-will develop new social and digital competences and skillsAdult educators,professionals - will improve their skills by attending C1 and C2 training activities, get informed about best practices of “GOLD” and get a hands on experience on the best practices included in this project - will increase their competences on social inclusion and health maintenance of old people through the material produced by the project-will become aware of new tools to approach old people and this will have a great impact in their everyday life changing the perspective of their interaction with their relatives, friends, carers, health professionals and young volunteers.Other stakeholders like NGOs, carers organizations, late-care institutions and venues, policy makers on 3rd age sector:- will become aware of the good practices of “GOLD” - will be provided by innovative good practices of GOLD which they can actively implement and approach the older generation. CONSORTIUMThe project meets a transnational need for inclusion and wellbeing of people over 65. The partners Challedu (Greece), E-seniors (France), Frodizo (Greece), Reading for others (Greece), University of Muenster (Germany), Association GENERATIONS (Bulgaria), come from different backgrounds and are capable of creating a holistic approach. The materials be developed through the project, will be of global interest and will have the ability to be applied in different environments.

<< Background >>The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2050 over 18 million European citizens will be suffering from dementia. Alzheimer's Europe estimates that the cost of dementia in Europe will exceed €250bn by 2030 and that a co-ordinated approach to dementia strategies at a European level has the potential to deliver real benefits. One in in 14 people over the age of 65 up has dementia, and the likelihood of developing dementia increases significantly with age. According to Alzheimer's Europe, with no cure and no disease-modifying treatment currently available, people with dementia, their families and carers require high-quality care, support and information, to ensure they are able to live as well as possible, for as long as possible in their communities. There is a need across Europe to upskill health and social care professionals about the best way to provide care, however there is a lot that can be done to enable someone with dementia to live well with the condition. Care and support needs to be ‘person-centred’ - focused on that person and their individual needs and preferences. One of the key therapies is reminiscence. Reminiscence is a well-established practice that has been used widely since the 1960s to improve the lives of people living with dementia. It gives people the opportunity to share their stories and experiences, and helps them remember who they are. This can boost their self-confidence and social interactions and make valuable connections between their past and the present. In most care settings, this takes the form of a ‘Memory Box’ which is used to collect photos, cuttings and artefacts. This project addresses this transnational need by both building on a previous Erasmus+ project, 2017-1-UK01-KA202-036686, ‘Forget Me Not’, which developed and tested an online platform which served as a digital memory box, and 5 training modules for professional carers. This proposal builds on the previous outcomes and research recommendations from an associated project conducted by UDAF in France to enhance the technology of the platform, produce both a more detailed set of training resources and facilitate wider access to training. To develop a strategy that can be adopted at a European level, it has to be tested in a variety of contexts and partners will test the training and resources in their own contexts. The benefits of so doing will be to demonstrate the flexibility of the outputs and how they can be adopted to address differing needs. The original platform was developed in 5 languages and this new project will add a further three languages. Given the backgrounds of carers and the nature of the target groups, it is important that they have access to the resources in their home languages. This transnational approach also enables different cultural dimensions to be addressed, both in terms of the resources development and accounting for cultural differences.<< Objectives >>The objectives of this project are to:•Develop the Forget Me Not platform to make it more widely accessible through improving the accessibility for those with impairments and developing further language versions•Introduce an interactive exchange facility•Develop an interactive cognitive assessment tool to establish the degree of independent use that a sufferer can work with the platform•Develop additional training modules and resources on basic ICT skills needed to use the platform, how to develop specific reminiscence activities in both care home setting and the home and how to establish training champions and run workshops •Pilot, test, evaluate and refine the new developments and training resources in collaboration with our network of associated partners•Identify and use tools to evaluate impact in the short, medium and longer term•Disseminate the outcomes widely and build an online network of expertise<< Implementation >>The project involves two partners from the previous project and four new partners. The first step is to undertake a training session for the new partners on the existing platform, its use and the training resources that were developed last time. Furthermore, the French partner has conducted extensive research into the use of the platform and concluded with a set of recommendations for further development and its use in the Care sector. These recommendations will also be shared in this initial training and set the context for the further developments.Once this training is completed, work will commence on the first output which is to develop the platform further. This will cover four strands: upgrading the accessibility to take into account various impairments; creating an online treasury of themed memories which can be easily downloaded; creating a function that enables users to share their memories and localising the platform into 8 languages. The second output, which will overlap with the first, creates a set of new training resources, which can be used by both those who work or are in training in the Care sector and non-formal carers such as families and friends. This output will have 6 strands. The first develops an implementation strategy for managers of residential care providers, day centres and other dementia support groups. The second is a scheme of work to guide the trainers on how best to deliver the workshops on training and the incorporation of the platform into reminiscence therapy. The third creates 10 short video tutorials addressing basic digital skills that are necessary to operate FMN. The fourth is a set of 12 activity plans for the use of the platform in care homes and day centres. The fifth is a set of 12 bite-size tutorials on how to maximise the potential of the Forget Me Not platform and the sixth is an online cognitive assessment tool to establish the level of support required in the use of the platform. All outputs will be tested in a range of environments from formal care sector training, care homes, day centres and with individual carers to evaluate their use and impact. An overall impact report will be provided. Alongside these developments, the project will be disseminated using a range of tools, culminating in Multiplier events in each of the 6 countries involved. All project activities will have to demonstrate that the greenest and most sustainable choices have been made during implementation.<< Results >>This proposal has two sets of outputs. The first is to develop the online ‘Forget me Not’ platform to improve its accessibility. Although the platform has been well-received and effective in its use, feedback has indicated how it can be further improved. From the outset, the platform was designed to be easy to use and visually stimulating, however, we need to make it more accessible to those with impairments and therefore the technological development will include addressing issues of text size, full-screen visualisation of photos and other impairment enhancements. At the moment the platform enables a family to collect private memories, but its use in the Care sector has demonstrated that shared memories are stimulating in group sessions. A further new output will be a sharing function. The current platform and training resources are in 5 languages and this will be increased to 8. Developments will be updated in the existing languages as well as the new ones.The second output is an enhanced set of training resources. In order to both enhance the use and the training resources, the further development will address the needs identified from the Action Research and the evaluation of the previous project. These will be:•a framework to create a network of local champions/hubs on how to use the platform and an implementation strategy for care providers•a step-by-step guide to running a discovery workshop on reminiscence for those working with dementia leading to the use of Forget Me Not•video tutorials that address gaps in basic ICT skills - starting at the absolute beginner level and moving through the stages to the maximum exploitation of the platform•a collection of Forget Me Not based activities for the care home/day centre settings to support the involvement of family members and friends in the use of the platform•a set of ‘Bite-size’ tutorials to retain interest in the platform and provide updates•a communication assessment tool to identify the level of capacity of the dementia sufferer to maximise the use of the methodologyThe overall anticipated outcome is the increased use of the methodology and platform, improved training and extended support through the development of networks.

<< Objectives >>1.Create practically applicable materials for adult educators in the field of aggressive behaviour management strategies. 2.Improve adult educator’s knowledge and skills regarding aggressive behaviour management;3.Support adult educators with successful techniques, methods for building their emotional resilience in work with people with mental and/or intellectual disabilities; 4.To contribute to better inclusion of people with mental and intellectual disabilities in education activities.<< Implementation >>1.Organise 4 TPMs, 1 LTTA, 2 national training;2.Create Database of methods for managing aggressive behaviour and building emotional resilience of adult educators, other specialists working with the final beneficiaries;3.To develop SPOOC – Self-Paced Open Online Course with 7 modules for adults educators’ better understanding the nature of anger and effective techniques of preventing, de-escalating it;4.To make an App as an alternative means of communication with some adult learners.<< Results >>1.The Database, SPOOC, App created in all partners’ languages for adult educators’ competences development and ensuring quality educational, social services for people with mental or/and intellectual disabilities;2.21 adult educators trained in LTTA, 105 – in online presentations, 100 – using SPOOC, 600 informed through LMEs, 1000 informed through dissemination channels, 35 tested the App;3.4 TPMs organized, 1 LTTA, 7 LMEs.