The number of elderly people living on their own is expected to increase as a consequence of the demographic change in European societies. Loneliness may become a huge health problem in Europe – elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to it, especially the least wealthy who can experience the highest risk of loneliness. Old age, which is an inevitable consequence in the life of human beings, has been seen as a social problem in all periods of history. The most affected by the consequences of this fact are elderly people and their social environment. Participation in social activities may compensate for inequalities of loneliness.Social participation is much less common among the poorest, often due to the lack of financial resources. Increasing social participation among the least wealthy may fight inequalities in loneliness among older people in Europe. It is stated that negative attitudes are developed against elderly people depending on many factors such as daily life and self-care activities not being performed independently by elderly people and “Ageism” is becoming to be a major issue. Although the approach of current policies towards the phenomenon of old age is different in each society and culture, the common and important issue is 'intergenerational solidarity'. BEST FRIENDS focuses exactly on this factor and aims to break the isolation and exclusion of elderly people in our communities, by developing an innovative curriculum and collecting inventive games that promote intergenerational communication and learning. In this way, this project makes an important contribution and promotes awareness of social inclusion also for people with health problems. 6 partners from 6 countries (EN, IT, AT, FR, LT, GR) have been brought together to capitalize and build on each other’s knowledge and expertise, as well as experience from best practices in their national context, for future circulation and transfer of know-how.Aims and objectives of the BEST FRIENDS project are: - Provide an innovative method for social care workers, volunteers and educators. - Break the isolation of elderly people through social participation and inclusion in our communities. - Improve their physical and mental health through interaction with young children. - Enriching the learning processes of elderly people in interaction with young children. BEST FRIENDS primary targets are: - Elderly people (in total 160+ participants) - Care/Social workers, volunteers helping elderly (in total 252+ participants) Secondary targets are: - Early childhood educators and young children (in total 80+ participants)The BEST FRIENDS project will have the following results: - Comparative Research and Assessment of Current Needs of Care workers and Elderly People. - BEST FRIENDS Intergenerational Learning Training Program - ToolKit for Intergenerational Learning Activities and Social Participation - Mainstreaming policy of project results through consortiums European network - Stimulate elderly people to be more active in the community, enrich learning processes of older people in interaction with young children. - By having interaction with young children, improved feelings of wellbeing and derived great satisfaction from sharing knowledge and experience with the children. - Promote intergenerational relationships, overcome stereotypes and enhance intergenerational solidarity against ageism through fun activities - The benefits by improved mutual understanding, a reawakened interest in local social life and deeper community engagement. - Children’s increased self-confidence and sense of responsibility through respecting seniors. - A big contribution for social inclusion of elderly people through involving them in social life actively and letting others take part in their experiences. From above described reasons, BEST FRIENDS focuses on Intergenerational Learning as a path for Lifelong Learning and at the same time to improve the physical and mental health of elderly people. On one side to take elderly out from their isolation and bring them into the middle of learning process with their lifelong experiences and enhance their social participation. At the same time, constantly evolving global families mean children often grow up far from grandparents. Intergenerational learning programs have never been more important as the loss of social and emotional connection between children and the elderly leaves a gap in society.