Title: Active Aging and 4 Ways to Kick Post-Retirement Depression
Number: 2024-1-DE02-KA210-ADU-CB010DFC
Action Type: KA210-ADU
Duration: 21 months

Partners:
Outdoor Against Cancer → Germany
Antalya Kepez Ilce Milli Egitim Mudurlugu → Türkiye
TeneLearning → Spain
Associazione Atlas Onlus→ Italy


Main Aim: This project is focused on supporting the mental and physical well-being of retirees and those nearing retirement. By promoting an active and meaningful lifestyle, the project aims to reduce post-retirement depression through adult education, encouraging psychological health and social reintegration.

Objectives:
- Improve Educator Competencies: Train adult educators in psychological support techniques and guide retirees toward activities that foster well-being.
- Promote Inclusive Learning Opportunities: Engage retirees through activities that increase participation in adult education.
- Encourage Healthy Aging: Support mental and physical health through therapeutic and recreational activities such as gardening, rhythm therapy, and mindfulness.
- Foster Community Development: Facilitate connections between retirees and communities, promoting social engagement and cross-cultural dialogue.

Activities:
1) 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗷𝗶? – A virtual seminar on the science of aging and gerontology, exploring physiological, psychological, and social dimensions.
2) 𝗜𝗸𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗶 – Training in Spain on the Japanese concept of “Ikigai,” or finding life purpose, to foster self-discovery among participants.
3) 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 – Workshop to create personalized journals aimed at improving self-awareness and mental well-being through reflection and mindfulness.
4) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Hands-on session in Italy focusing on the physical and psychological benefits of urban gardening.
5) 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 – Art therapy workshop centered on traditional Onggi pottery, encouraging creative expression and self-reflection.
6) 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗸𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺 - 𝗠𝗼𝗮𝗶– Rhythm therapy program in Türkiye using drumming techniques to promote social bonding and mental well-being.
7) 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 – A laughter therapy workshop to reduce stress and improve participants’ mood and overall mental health.
8) 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 – Training on mindfulness and meditation practices aimed at enhancing relaxation and emotional resilience.

Expected Outcomes and Results:
- Development of new skills for retirees in wellness and self-management.
- Increased inclusivity and participation in adult education.
- Improved mental and physical health through therapeutic activities.
- Enhanced cross-cultural collaboration and engagement in community-building efforts.