About the AGE_THEA project

 

“On Stage in the Golden Age: Theatre for Healthy Ageing”” (AGE_THEA) is a 24-month project, co-funded by the European Commission under the ERASMUS+ Programme. AGE_THEA is implemented by six (6) European organizations, including one University: SRA (Romania), LCM (Italy), EDRA (Greece), RC (Portugal), Habilitas (Romania), and UNIWA (Greece). The project aims to increase awareness of the role and impact of theater in preventing and treating psychosocial health and well-being of elderly individuals, with or without cognitive disorders. Synergies between different fields (social, cultural, and health) will contribute to the development of a quality training program and methodology for professionals in the health, cultural, and caregiving sectors. Through theatrical interventions, the project activities aim to promote active ageing, psychosocial well-being of elderly individuals, and their social inclusion.”The project aims to raise awareness on the role and impacts of theatre on the prevention and treatment of psychosocial health and mental wellbeing of elderly people who lives with cognitive diseases. Through synergies between culture and health sectors, a high quality training and methodology to the cultural and health educators and family members will be developed accordingly. The project activities are conceived to foster active ageing, psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly, and their social inclusion through theatre interventions.

 

Objectives

 

The AGE_THEA project aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. To investigate and test at the EU level how the participation to culture and creative activity, especially threatrical interventions, can support the psychosocial health and wellbeing of European elderly people and finalize a high-quality methodology that best suits their specific needs.their specific needs.
  2. To create a cross-disciplinary, art-based, non-formal training programme for the prevention and treatment of the symptomatology of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline in elderly people through synergies between health, social, and cultural sectors, involving caregivers and families.
  3. To support the development and revival of creativity, inner potentialities, and the unexpressed psychophysics resources as well as to foster the self-confidence, community building, social engagement, interpersonal relationships of targeted elderly people (+65) with and without dementia, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, during and beyond the project lifespan to fight the stigma, sense of marginalization, loneliness, and isolation, with special regards to those low income, discriminated, isolated.
  4. To raise awareness at the EU level and disseminate to the stakeholders and EU governments on the effective role of the arts as a driver for active aging in managing and improving psychosocial health and wellbeing of elderly people, as well as a means of social inclusion, social engagement, and empowerment.

 

The AGE_THEA partners will develop the followingproject results to respond to these needs

  • Detailed report on the analysis and assessment on the role and impacts of theatre on the prevention and treatment of psychosocial health and wellbeing of elderly people.
  • Training program aimed at the social, cultural, and health sectors to improve the psychosocial well-being of elderly individuals.
  • A set of theatre activities based on the participatory theatre methodology, addressed to elderly people with and without dementia, giving them the chance to fully experience the benefits of theatre to their psychosocial health and wellbeing.
  • 4 national events for stakeholders to promote cooperation between the social, cultural, and health sectors organized in Romania, Italy, Greece, and Portugal (20 participants/event/country).
  • “5 national awareness events organized in Romania, Greece, Italy, and Portugal (40 participants / event / country, and in Greece there will be 2 events, totaling 80 participants).”

 

Project Results

Learning Materialsand Activities

 

  • Analysis report the role of the theatre to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly people.The Analysis and Assessment Work Package (WP2) of the project aims to study the role and impacts of theater on the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly people, especially those affected by dementia, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s, low income, discrimination, and isolation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aligns with the project’s broader objective of investigating how cultural and theater activities can combat the negative effects of the pandemic on elderly psychosocial health. The main results include a detailed analysis on the role of theater in preventing and treating mental health issues among the elderly, national investigations, fieldwork in several countries, and a report on “the role of the theater to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly people”. ach partner organization contributes to the WP according to its expertise, with the University of West Attica (UNIWA) leading the effort. UNIWA oversees the development of the analysis report, with each partner conducting desk research and fieldwork in its country. EDRA evaluates the report’s quality, while RC handles dissemination activities.

 

  • Joint Training Program for enhancing the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly people.The Joint Training Programme for Social, Cultural, and Health Sectors, outlined in Work Package 3, aims to develop a comprehensive training program incorporating theater as a method to address mental health challenges faced by elderly individuals, including Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and neurological disorders. This program seeks to create synergies between health, social, and cultural sectors, involving caregivers, families, artists, and professionals. The specific objectives include developing a cross-disciplinary training program, piloting it with relevant stakeholders, and ultimately improving the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly individuals. The main results will be the development, pilot implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of the training program, covering topics such as mental health issues in the elderly, theater activities for prevention and treatment, and practical implementation strategies. Each partner organization will contribute according to its expertise, with Habilitas leading coordination, module development, and pilot implementation, LCM contributing to theatrical activities, RC developing the e-learning version, and EDRA handling evaluation. RC will also manage dissemination activities to attract participants and promote the finalized program.

 

  • Guide on the development of the Participatory Theatre Activities for Seniors.Participatory Theatre Activities for Seniors focuses on designing and implementing participatory theatre activities for seniors, particularly those facing challenges like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and social isolation. The objectives of this work package are to develop activities that promote active aging, creativity, and social engagement among seniors while also providing support for caregivers. These activities aim to improve psychosocial wellbeing, combat stigma, and enhance overall quality of life for elderly individuals. LCM, a partner with expertise in participatory theatre methodology, leads this work package.The main results of Work Package 4 will be the development, pilot implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of participatory theatre activities tailored to seniors. These activities encompass body work, voice work, manual skills, and phototherapy, all aimed at stimulating creativity, self-expression, and interpersonal relationships among participants. The output will be a comprehensive guide available in multiple languages, detailing the participatory theatre activities for seniors.Each partner organization will contribute according to its expertise. LCM will lead the development and coordination of activities, while other partners will develop specific sections, translate materials, organize pilots, and provide feedback. EDRA will handle project evaluation, ensuring proper assessment of the activities’ impact, while RC will oversee dissemination efforts to promote participation in the pilots and the guide.

 

Partners 

 

Meet the team – The partnership comprises 6 partners from 4 European countries, with different background and skills: Higher education institutions and NGOs. Several partners have already collaborated in previous projects. Various organizations possess the collective competences to design and implement projects involving theatrical activities for the elderly. A higher education institution conducts research, while informal education programs engage both youth and adults. Entities focused on personal and professional development train facilitators for transformative community empowerment. Those specializing in mental health and support for vulnerable groups ensure inclusivity, while associations for social advancement foster a supportive cultural environment. Organizations providing social and medical assistance address specific needs, making the project accessible and enriching fror all participants. Collaboration among these entities promises a holistic approach to enhancing the lives of the elderly through theater.

 

The Romanian Society for Support of Elderly and Sufferers with Alzheimer’s Disease (SRA), established in 1992, is a non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, with branches across the country. Initiated by qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, SRA focuses on community, social, and medical assistance for the elderly. As a member of Alzheimer Europe since 1994, SRA aims to mediate relationships between patients, families, and society while creating modern care systems for the elderly, especially those with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. With over 25 years of experience, SRA is a trusted partner for professionals, patients, and families, offering information, education, early diagnosis, and interventions at the community level. Through its Memory Centre, established in 2000, SRA provides outpatient services for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive disorders, alongside support for older adults and family caregivers. Its activities span supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s, training caregivers, and utilizing gaming and ICT tools in therapies for Alzheimer’s patients.

 

Founded in 2006, LCM operates locally, regionally, and nationally with a diverse team of 16 professionals encompassing various expertise ranging from actors, directors, and playwrights to social workers, doctors, and researchers. Their focus lies in creating innovative solutions for social inclusion, civic engagement, and empowering individuals with fewer opportunities. Through events, cultural performances, and theatrical workshops, LCM engages communities, especially elderly individuals with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s, promoting healthy aging and combatting isolation. Their mission is to utilize culture and performative arts as tools for wellbeing and social inclusion, targeting marginalized groups. Their main intervention areas include social theatre, youth empowerment, urban regeneration, and Alzheimer’s theatre. LCM is highly experienced in promoting social inclusion, healthy aging, and developing education modules on participatory theatre. They implement various projects involving elderly individuals, focusing on raising awareness, providing training, and organizing cultural activities for psychosocial wellbeing.

 

 

Social Cooperative Activities for Vulnerable Groups – EDRA’ is a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health and mental retardation since 2001. Committed to promoting mental health and defending the rights of vulnerable groups, EDRA operates various programs aimed at enhancing wellbeing and raising awareness. With over 120 specialized staff members, the organization has served over 7000 beneficiaries. EDRA’s sectors of operation include mental health, mental retardation, child and family support, and vulnerable social groups. Actively engaged in EU projects, EDRA focuses on preventing mental illness, promoting social inclusion, and mitigating educational inequalities. Additionally, it operates a Lifelong Education Center offering adult education and organizes training seminars for professionals in social sciences and humanities. Supported by a dedicated Volunteer Services Department, EDRA collaborates with mental health professionals to promote inclusion and raise awareness about mental health challenges.

 

The Rightchallenge Association is a non-governmental organisation which aims at the promotion of vocational education and training as a means of social inclusion and equal opportunities. We believe that education must focus in the integral development of all people – independently of social status, age, or gender – in order to prepare them to intervene and participate in all dimensions of society, such as family, work, community and leisure. So, as an organisation actively engaged with the community, one of our pillars is lifelong learning, because we have the conviction that it’s essential to sustainable development, as it promotes active, democratic and responsible citizenship among citizens. Rightchallenge activities are aimed to ensure quality and access to non-formal education and to overcome the deficits in access to lifelong learning in Portugal, while promoting the valorisation of human capital and generating value in organisations by providing integrated training services. Rightchallenge recognises that non-formal education and lifelong are extremely important to develop social, emotional and cognitive competences, while promoting the individuals’ personal fulfilment and well-being. As an organisation who strives for the holistic development, we promote and develop positive transformations in society and facilitate the access of learning opportunities for citizens who face educational attainment obstacles. Our specialists have a wide range of expertise in vocational education and training, educational policies and networking activities in the field of non-formal education. We create resources and curriculum (both in online and face-to-face environments) to support adult educators and other VET providers to address the needs of their target-groups.

 

Established in 2007, HABILITAS Association is dedicated to adult education development, delivering professional training and counseling services in social, psychological, and educational projects. Specializing in elderly care, Habilitas designs tailored training programs for home care workers, focusing on skill enhancement, communication, and elder abuse prevention. As a member of INPEA and SenioriNET, it actively participates in international and national networks dedicated to elder abuse prevention and home care services provision. Notably, it pioneered Bucharest’s first Network of Seniors Volunteers, comprising 75 trained older persons engaging in various social institutions. Additionally, Habilitas played a crucial role in formulating public policies such as the Strategy for Supporting Seniors’ Volunteering and the National Strategy for Dementia. With collaborative ties to public authorities, NGOs, universities, and trade unions, Habilitas is committed to enhancing elderly care and advocacy. Recognized for its contributions, it became a member of AGE PLATFORM EUROPE in 2022.

 

The University of West Attica (UNIWA), established in March 2018 by National Law 4521, resulted from the merging of the former Technological Educational Institute of Athens and Piraeus University of Applied Sciences. With approximately 52,000 undergraduate, 1,150 postgraduate, and 210 doctoral students, UNIWA is the country’s third-largest public university. It boasts academic staff and researchers from diverse fields and collaborates with domestic and international institutions to enhance study levels. UNIWA encompasses twenty-seven departments across six Schools, covering various disciplines. The Department of Social Work (DSW), part of the School of Administrative, Economics, and Social Sciences, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, preparing students for professional careers in both public and private social services sectors. With partnerships with local and international social service agencies, DSW emphasizes research and innovation through its Research Centers, contributing to the advancement of social work education and practice.

 

Project Age_Thea Website – https://age-thea.eu/?page_id=742