“Bridging Generations


Objectives
Project description
Ageism refers to the set of stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination towards people based on their age. As indicated by the Global Report on Ageism (WHO, 2021), one out of two people in Europe are ageist, meaning that approximately 50% of the population’s fundamental right to respect and equal treatment is violated.
Although this type of discrimination is more targeted and primarily affects older people, they are not the only ones who suffer from its negative impact, as younger generations are also victims of age-bias, often referred to as “youngism” or reverse ageism.
Both older and younger people are facing many drawbacks, especially in terms of economic (career opportunities, retirement, financial vulnerability, the growing generational wealth gap, etc.) and social (social exclusion, isolation, loneliness, rejection, etc.) disadvantages, which added to the expected demographic population increase in the coming decades, entails these circumstances having a serious impact on both generational groups as regards mental health and well-being, causing instability and fractured intergenerational relationships.
These triggers are at the heart of the main motivation for the BRIDGING GENERATIONS partnership to engage in working towards a more inclusive and age-integrated society through an intergenerational (re)bonding approach.
Objectives and Priorities:
The BRIDGING GENERATIONS project aims to combat age discrimination by fostering intergenerational connections, improving mental health, and rebuilding social bonds across age groups.
Key objectives include:
- Education on Discrimination: Raising awareness of youngism and ageism to promote empathy and reduce biases.
- Improving Mental Health: Strengthening emotional intelligence and inclusion for all ages.
- Intergenerational Bonding: Using gamification and shared experiences to build stronger relationships.
- Raising Awareness: Addressing age discrimination as a critical social challenge in Europe.
The project emphasizes inclusivity, mutual understanding, and well-being across generations.
The BRIDGING GENERATIONS project will deliver three key results. First, an Intergenerational Bonds Training System will be developed based on insights from surveys and focus groups, featuring concise training modules to educate seniors on youngism and young adults on ageism, fostering understanding and reducing age discrimination. Second, a Toolbox for Emotional Intelligence will provide practical tools to enhance self-awareness, interpersonal development, and engagement in intergenerational relationships. Finally, a Collaborative Digital Game will promote mutual learning, empathy, and stronger intergenerational bonds by allowing players to explore and understand the unique perspectives of different age groups through gamification.
The BRIDGING GENERATIONS project addresses five key needs. First, it aims to stop age discrimination, which affects 45% of Europeans, often compounded by other biases. Second, it seeks to reduce age-related prejudices and stereotypes, such as negative views of both young and older generations, which hinder social cohesion. Third, it tackles the mental health and emotional intelligence challenges caused by ageism, promoting resilience and personal empowerment. Fourth, it aims to bridge the generational gap by fostering empathy and understanding. Finally, it emphasizes the need to raise awareness of age discrimination, especially as Europe’s aging population grows.
Results:
– Training System with 12 theoretical modules in age discrimination
– Toolkit with 24 Emotional Intelligence practical tools for intra and interpersonal empowerment
– Digital Game with gamified environment based on mutual learning
– Age-related prejudices and stereotypes reduced
– Mental health and Emotional Intelligence improved
– Gap between Generations bridged
– Awareness about age discrimination as a social challenge raised
MAIN TARGET GROUP:
– Seniors (aged 65+)
– Young adults (aged 18-29)
SECONDARY TARGET GROUP:
– Experts in social inclusion and intergenerationality
– Social workers and caregivers of elderly people
– Senior centres and elderly associations
– Public and private organisations in the field of the elderly
– Professionals, coaches, facilitators and/or organisations working in the field of emotional and mental health

Title: BRIDGING GENERATIONS THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Running dates: December 2024 -November 2026
Programme: KA220-VET – Cooperation partnerships in vocational
education and training
ID number: 2024-1-PL01-KA220-ADU-000243946
Website: –
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