Topic 2: Ageing "Active-Mind"

Discussing gender, culture and economy from the ageing spectrum

Duration: 2 hours
The groups will read the 2 editions of the AGE Barometer and then make a presentation on their topic based on the information they found (If the country of the participants is featured, then a country-focused presentation should be made).

• 1st group: Gender
• 2nd group: Culture (and social domain)
• 3rd group: Economy

The AGE barometer assesses the socio-economic situation of older persons and can be used as an advocacy tool. It provides “evidence on how the social realities and the respect of human rights in old age evolve in different countries”.

• The 2019 edition of the Barometer focuses on gender equality, support to find employment, age-friendly workplaces, work-life balance, the fight against poverty & social exclusion and adequate income.
• The 2020 edition of the Barometer focuses on anti-discrimination, social inclusion, health and prevention, disability and autonomy, long-term care, elder abuse and on the experiences of older Roma and older LGBTI.

1 hour group session

• The groups will present their respective topics taking on the role of an older person experiencing these conditions (so be sure to form a complete profile of that imaginary person).
• At the end, a discussion upon them will take place.

Discuss wellness and mindfullness for the elderly

“Understanding the quality of life of seniors” developed by Singapore’s National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

The NCSS supports a person-centered and ecosystem approach towards helping individuals achieve quality of life.

Autonomous work - 2 hours: You will study the results of a series of studies that examined the quality of life of seniors through a person-centered and holistic approach. 

Discussing the topics of wellness and mindfulness of the elderly –Autonomous work

Study Phase:

• Identify the factors that need to be considered/addressed
• Create a “map” showcasing them
• Note the examples of good practices that are presented throughout the publication

Further study: The information contained in the publication can guide the carers (and other stakeholders in the social scheme) to understand and develop solutions in order to empower the senior citizens to reach their full potential.

Problem-solving for the elderly

The Tubbemoddelen model
A case study of a retirement home that has implemented the Tubbemoddelen model to foster the maximum involvement of the seniors into gaining the control of their everyday life.

• Tubbemoddelen: An innovative bottom-up participative management model in Swedish nursing homes.
• It is “based on a genuine participative management process which include nursing home residents at all levels in the planning and running of their own living conditions”. 
• Basically, the retirement home is run by the seniors with the support of the staff.

Group session -1 hour
A group discussion that will provide you with a different approach to your work that can prove to be beneficial for all parties involved.

• How this arrangement proves beneficial and in which aspects?

Realising the importance of the ageing population in the society

Structure: 2 group sessions - 1 hour each

Features: The participants are developing the content on the first part and then study the ways which social participation for the elderly is possible and discussing the strategies that can be adopted on multiple levels.

Benefits: It helps the caregivers to truly realize the importance of the ageing population by having them actively participate in the aforementioned activities by building the content.

1st group session - "What if humans just disappeared after they reached the age of 60?"

• Imagine a world where there is no elderly population.
• Give as many details of that imaginary world and then make a list of the disadvantages.

2nd group session - "The senior citizen"

• Discuss: About the role of the senior citizens in today’s society.
• Read: Stannah: The Role of Senior Citizens Throughout History
• Think: Of ways of how the older population can actively participate in our society.
• Study: UNECE’s Policy Brief on Ageing noting the strategies proposed and the importance of the ageing population in society.