Active Aging

LL-00059

Promotion of Active and Healthy Aging

Common territorial challenge (s) that will be tackled by the project

All 5 project partner areas are facing population aging problems and shorter life expectancy than EU average (80.1 years in 2021). Proportion of people in pre-retirement, retirement age, also people with dementia and disabilities, in project partner regions is increasing by years. As data shows, in 2022 seniors are about fifth part of the total population, which means that this vulnerable group is taking quite a big proportion of total population in project partner areas. Also one of recognized joint challenges is that seniors and people with disabilities are a forgotten part of the society and suffer from social isolation that leads to health problems, addictions, depression, that leads to death. That is why it is necessary to improve access to integrated services.

Project objective

Promotion of social inclusion of seniors and people with disabilities by implementing integrated actions and improving accessibility to integrated services that ensures active, conscious and healthy (physically and mentally) aging and longer independent living, also strengthening the capacity and knowledge base of specialists by implementing new solutions for working with the projects' main target group in Latvia - Lithuania border regions.

Planned activities

During project it is planned to implement following activities under two work packages: WP1 Active Aging inclusion measures for seniors 1.1. Joint training program for seniors including with disabilities on Active aging 1.2. Innovative joint training program - storytelling 1.3. Inclusion activities and investments for seniors including with disabilities in Rokiskis 1.4. Inclusion activities for seniors including with disabilities in Bauska 1.5. Inclusion activities for seniors including with disabilities in Panevezys 1.6. Inclusion activities and investments for seniors including with disabilities in Jelgava county 1.7. Joint photography exhibition “Health stories” 1.8 Joint inclusion event for seniors including with disabilities – festival 1.9. Publicity activities WP2 Capacity building of project partners' specialists 2.1. Joint training program for specialists on Active aging 2.2. Joint training on innovative methods – life stories method 2.3. Shadowing project partner inclusion activities 2.4. Conference on active aging policy 2.5. Publicity activities on capacity building

Project results

Joint training program for seniors including with disabilities on Active aging. A comprehensive training program on active aging has been created through the prism of five dimensions: learning, social, economic, health and self-image dimensions.
Innovative joint training program – storytelling. Story telling training programme elaborated and piloted as an innovative approach that allows seniors to share their life experiences and connect with others through the power of personal stories.
Inclusion activities and investments for seniors including with disabilities in Rokiskis. In total 14 different inclusion activities implemented for seniors including with disabilities in Rokiskis. As well as accessibility improved by renovation and equipping the premises of centre.
Inclusion activities for seniors including with disabilities in Bauska. In total 8 inclusion measures for Bauska municipality seniors, seniors with disabilities were provided. Accessibility improved by purchase of equipment for masterclasses and outside musical instruments.
Inclusion activities for seniors including with disabilities in Panevezys. Panevezys established an innovative outdoor sports and leisure zone equipped with stationary game tables and adjustable training equipment at the City Culture and Recreation Park. During the project, a specialist led physical activity sessions for 9 groups of seniors, including those with disabilities, providing structured training and new skills.
Inclusion activities and investments for seniors including with disabilities in Jelgava county. 5 inclusion measures will be provided and piloted for seniors including with disabilities of Jelgava local municipality in Activity Centre “Zemgale”, as well as accessibility of premises improved by reconstruction of infrastructure a purchase of equipment.
Joint photography exhibition. The “Life Wisdom in Portraits and Stories” photo exhibition is a powerful project outcome that visually documents the life journeys and enduring vitality of seniors from the Latvian-Lithuanian border regions. Through personal portraits and narratives, these works help dismantle common stereotypes about aging, showcasing the older generation as a valuable resource rich with experience. It serves not only as an artistic display but also as a platform for intergenerational dialogue, inviting everyone to appreciate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of our region. https://www.zemgale.lv/lv/aktivas-un-veseligas-novecosanas-veicinasana
Joint inclusion event for seniors including with disabilities – festival. The “Active Aging” festival successfully brought together seniors from across the Latvian-Lithuanian border, fostering new friendships and a strong sense of community through shared creative and physical activities. The event showcased the participants’ newly acquired skills in crafts, music, and digital literacy, proving that active engagement significantly enhances the well-being of the elderly. By celebrating the project’s achievements in such a vibrant way, the festival served as a powerful inspiration for regional municipalities to continue supporting inclusive social initiatives for seniors.
Joint training program for specialists on Active aging. Training programme for specialists on Acitve aging created and pilot joint trainings organized. 25 specialists were trained on 5 dimensions of aging, as well as on pedagogical methodology.
Joint training on innovative methods – life stories method. Training programme on life story method created and pilot training sessions provided. 22 specialists from Lithuania and Latvia completed the training.
Shadowing PP inclusion activities. 4 shadowing events organized by responsible partners. First shadowing event from 18th till 20th March took place in Jelgava municipality center “Zemgale”, second event from 1st till 3rd April in Rokišķis, third from 20th till 22nd in Paņevežys and final forth from 18th till 20th June in Bauska municipality. The main aim of shadowing was to share each partners inclusion activities experience to other partners. Partners were able to learn directly one from another by following the process of work, ask questions, discuss best solutions.
Conference on active aging policy. The international conference “Active Aging Policy and Innovative Methods,” held at the historic Abgunste Manor, served as a festive conclusion to the two-year project by highlighting modern approaches to senior social inclusion. The event featured expert panel discussions on the five dimensions of aging and emphasized the vital role of cross-border cooperation in implementing effective solutions across Latvia and Lithuania. Furthermore, the conference set an ambitious vision for the future, focusing on the establishment of “Universities of the Third Age” and the long-term integration of active aging initiatives into municipal policies.
Handbook for specialists working with seniors on Active aging. The newly developed handbook, “Active Aging and Storytelling,” was officially presented as a practical methodological tool designed to assist social workers and senior specialists in their daily professional activities. During the presentation, partners highlighted how the guide integrates innovative storytelling techniques with health promotion strategies to foster better social inclusion across the border regions. The digital version of the handbook was widely disseminated among regional stakeholders to ensure that the project’s knowledge and best practices remain accessible for long-term use.