Project „Like ripples on the water” is being implemented as part of the Government Programme for the Social Activity of Older People. It is aimed at people aged 60 and over, and its aim is to support and promote the inclusion of this group in social activities. The „Like Ripples on Water” project is unique because, unlike other programmes for older people which focus on the question of „what to do with them and for them”, it provides participants with support that enables them to choose for themselves the forms and areas of social activity in line with their interests and, more importantly, to prove themselves in these activities.
We would like to draw particular attention to the issue of „velvet exclusion”. The topic of policy for older people has begun to gain recognition and importance, but there is still too little understanding of what people aged 60 and over think about their own issues; furthermore, the process of involving them in decision-making and entrusting matters concerning older people to this group is progressing too slowly. We will be preparing participants in the 60+ project to lead meetings on issues affecting older people, as well as on socio-economic policies, with the aim of encouraging their peers to take part in a constructive exchange of views on these topics. Participants will also act as promoters of new technologies and the internet, for example by using tools during sessions that are tailored to the specific needs of older users,
As part of the project, its participants:
- will take part in a 6-day residential workshop programme focusing on issues relevant to environmental initiatives for the over-60s and their communities;
- they will learn how to use tablets and apply modern technologies in their work;
- Together with the coaches, they will promote social engagement amongst other people aged 60 and over and support their activities.
As part of the project’s activities, a group focusing on older people will be set up to carry out advocacy work aimed at improving the situation of people aged 60 and over in the Silesian Voivodeship.
The project is being carried out by the MOST Association between May and December 2013.