Context/backgroundIncreased life expectancy will lead to a steady increase in the number of people in their „third age“, i.e. age 50 years and older. Within Europe one can expect up to a quarter of the population in this category. Consequently, it is of utmost importance for future Europe to guarantee the highest quality of life for this large group of citizens and ensure that their valuable experience and knowledge are made accessible to society at large. It is against this background that BALL is defined, how best to prepare individuals at an early stage for the „third age“ with emphasis on reinvention for a new job, retirement, learning, cultural environment and ambiance, and sharing of knowledge. This is an innovative approach and has not been done before. The project addresses the urgency to establish guidelines and practices on The results are directed to all actors interested in providing training for citizens, stakeholders on labor market and employees approaching the „third age“. The project intends to raise awareness of the vast and ever increasing „third age“ human resource of knowledge and experiences and its importance for the society as a whole and to the individuals themselves.ObjectivesThe main objective was to develop innovative guidelines and recommendations for use at lifelong learning centres, employers, universities, labor unions, associations, and local or regional authorities who need and wish to prepare and encourage individuals under their auspices to prepare for the third age. The project and its outcomes is intended to raise awareness of these important issues and the results was disseminated throughout the European Educational Area and the worldwide U3A network. Number and profiles of participating organisationsFour partners cooperated in the project. Evris foundation, Iceland, was the applicant partner responsible for management and organisation. U3A Reykjavik provided learning and cultural ambiance and activities for its „third age“ members. Lublin University of the Third Age (LUTW) is under the patronage of five universities in Lublin with the organisational and academic supervision of the Society of Polish Free University. Its Gerontology Section is responsible for creating a friendly and inspiring environment for retired people. The Permanent University, UPUA, Spain, is a scientific, cultural and social program, developed by the University of Alicante to promote Science and Culture, and inter-generational relationships, with a view to improve quality of life for the older generation. Description of undertaken main activitiesThe main activities concentrated on mapping and research to shed light on current situation in the partner countries, including a survey in each partner country. The survey identified opinions and expectations towards retirement of a significant numbers of individuals in each country. The results of these mapping exercises were elaborated, including a comparative study, to form a basis for the resulting recommendations and guidelines. Experts from the partner countries elaborated on these results and defined resulting outcomes and guidelines. A pilot course was conducted in each partner country to test the guidelines and finally the guidelines were edited and published.Methodology The work was conducted through research, mapping and by surveying present situation in the partner countries in accordance with best practices in research methodology of social sciences. The results were tested through pilot courses that were intended to serve as models for preparation and future use of the guidelines and recommendations.Short description of results and impact envisagedThe project resulted in guidelines and recommendations for identified stakeholders, describing “best practices” in preparing individuals early for upcoming enjoyable „third age“. The project outcome is intended to have an impact by engaging, guiding and encouraging organisations, institutions and companies to arrange educative and stimulating events and assist their members and employees in realizing the importance of early preparation for the third age, either on labor market or in preparing for retirement. Potential long-term benefitIt is envisaged that the research undertaken, the resulting guidelines and recommendations will be disseminated widely and that the material will be of use in future activities in a long-term perspective. The future activities of the partners themselves and the stakeholders engaged will certainly be guided by the results. All partners are affiliated with the worldwide U3A network of organisations, which has been a forum for disseminating the results. It is also envisaged that the project will raise awareness among stakeholders on labor market who wish and need to prepare and encourage individuals under their auspices to prepare for third age.