Population ageing is one of the most significant demographic and social trends of the 21st century, affecting virtually every country in the world. The increase in life expectancy is, in fact, a remarkable achievement of development and healthcare. However, it also presents clear challenges. Older people are becoming a proportionally larger share of the total population, creating social, economic, and cultural challenges for individuals, families, public welfare systems, and society at large.
This global trend is particularly evident in EU member states: in 2018, 32.1% of the EU population aged 65 and over lived alone, compared to 14.4% of the total population. Among older people, the percentage living alone ranged from 45.9% in Lithuania and 39.8% in Denmark and Estonia, to 17.6% in Cyprus and 23.9% in Greece, 22.0% in Italy, and a low of 13.2% in Ireland. Among EU Member States, the median age ranged from 37.3 years in Ireland to 46.3 years in Italy, confirming the relatively young and relatively old population structures recorded in each of these two member states.
Source: Eurostat – Population structure and ageing
The isolation and loneliness of this target group became particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when older people felt truly abandoned, with no support or social relationships.
The project Age on Stage in Tour addresses a problem that affects not just certain countries or regions but the entire EU. As mentioned, population ageing is one of the most significant demographic and social trends of the 21st century, affecting virtually all countries worldwide. While the increase in life expectancy is a major success of development and healthcare, it also poses major challenges. Elderly individuals are making up a growing proportion of the population, creating social, economic, and cultural challenges for individuals, families, public welfare systems, and society.
The greatest challenge currently faced by the NET association is to stimulate the active participation of senior citizens and make them feel part of an inclusive Europe. Theatre therapy for the elderly enhances mental responsiveness, improves their relationships with others, boosts self-esteem, and is simply fun.
NET is tackling this challenge through numerous initiatives and projects, both under Erasmus+ (and previously through Grundtvig Learning Partnerships and Leonardo TOI) and at the local level. Now, however, the association wants to go further through a project aimed at renewing knowledge via exchanges with other European organizations that already work with the elderly and theatre.
During these exchange periods, trainers will have the opportunity to observe and experience first-hand the training and development methodologies adopted elsewhere. They will be able to work directly with other trainers, gaining significant benefits, including the enrichment of their cultural and professional skills through engagement with diverse experiences.
Older participants, in turn, will have the opportunity to interact and connect with their peers through the learning of innovative theatrical techniques in a European context. Engaging in unfamiliar environments and connecting with new people who nevertheless share common issues allows individuals to enhance both technical and relational skills.
https://www.facebook.com/ageonstageproject
