The SAA project aims to reduce negative stereotypes about older people and further their image as full citizens as well as reduce obstacles preventing their equal social participation. Its overall objective is to strengthen the competences of volunteers and staff of different professions in social and healthcare organisations as well as older adults themselves. Participants will learn about culture and engage in cultural activities themselves while improving social skills and the feeling of belonging.
Why?
Negative attitudes about ageing and older age make life on average 7,5 years shorter. Ageism is defined as stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination on the ground of age. This type of discrimination causes a massive impact on society, influencing how we view ourselves and the possibility to consider what other persons (younger or older) can contribute to society
thus impacting health, well-being, longevity and having also far-reaching economic consequences. Studies show that such kind of negative attitudes can shorten life by an average of 7,5 years.
Encouraging people to reflect on their own negative biases towards old age and being protected from condescending attitudes and practices is the main objective of our project.
What?
The Smart Against Ageism (SAA) project will deliver an accessible online game to raise awareness of ageism and make the players understand the perspectives of people experiencing ageism, to promote empathy, tolerance, respect, and civic skills. In this way, the Smart Against Ageism project will contribute to restoring older adults’ image as full citizens and remove barriers to their social participation.
Whom for?
The SAA educational game will be oriented at the needs of volunteers, formal and informal carers, assistants, staff with diverse professional backgrounds (janitors, social workers, etc.),
and family members of older adults. Additionally, the project will reach out to associations in the social, educational, health and care sectors, alongside with research organisations and policymakers.
Results
- Compendium “Responding to Ageism”
- Interactive learning platform
- Toolkit for trainers
- Recommendations for policy-makers