Title: “BETA - Bridges of Intergenerational Approach» (2022-1-EL01-KA220-ADU-000088752)
Acronym: BETA

Partners: 6
Lead Partner:
• OPEN UP, Greek Scientific Association of Innovation (Greece)
Partners:
• UC Limburg (Belgium)
• Synthesis Center for Research and Education Limited (Cyprus)
• Tiber Umbria Comett Education Programme (Italy)
• Municipality of Larissa (Greece)
• Munster Technological University (Ireland)

Project description

1. BETA project aims to address to multi-faceted challenges posed by the phenomenon of population ageing that affects almost every developed country; as seniors live longer nowadays while the proportion of young and older people in the population of Europe is continuously growing: 90.5 million older people living in the EU 28 at the start of 2019-one fifth (20.3%) of the total population which is projected to reach 29,4 % in 2050 ("Ageing Europe", EU 2020).
2. Although seniors are a big part of the total population, they are largely marginalised and suffer from social exclusion and isolation; nevertheless, they can be an active part in the society with a significant contribution as a whole under the right conditions. Considering that living longer does not necessarily mean living a healthier, more active and independent life, BETA recognises the importance influence of regular contacts with others, participation in educational programs and
volunteering on seniors overall life satisfaction (Lubben et al, 2015) aiming to create the framework for the elderly to stay active.
3. Considering intergenerational learning is an active ageing strategy largely applied, BETA is a pilot model in this field facilitating the bilateral exchange of experiences between older and young people supporting seniors social inclusion, making them feel useful in social level and active. On the other side of the generation gap, issues of social inclusion also impact children and their use of technology (Valentine et al, 2002).
4. We consider that in our digital era digital literacy & technological advancements present a response to seniors isolation and their social integration into society, mostly now in the circumstances of COVID 19- and that game based activities can be a bridge for the two generations to be met. Therefor, BETA creates and promotes digital learning opportunities for both generations encouraging the older people efforts to be active, free and resilient citizens.
5. BETA enriches and valorises an already tested and awarded example by "Larissa Learning City".
6. We develop, test and implement a training kit in a close collaboration between academics, training organizations, local authorities and seniors.
7. We promote digital learning activities as a green response to the environmental sustainability.
8. BETA project helps break down restrictive perceptions, social barriers by ageism and age-related stereotypes, taking into account that seniors are often stigmatised on the basis of their chronological age while negative stereotypes are attached to the physical, cognitive and emotional changes which occur with age.
9. Although there is a big interest in active ageing in EU policies (e.g. Active ageing — https://ec.europa.eu/social/ main.jsp?langId=en&catId=1062, etc) the whole number of proposals funded in this field is small.
10. We support the UN slogan"Toward A Society for Al Ages" (UNESCO, 2002)

Duration: 24 months
Total Budget: 400.000 €
Budget of Municipality of Larissa: 55.300 €