Learning processes between the generations offer opportunities for the social inclusion of elderly people and the closing of the gap between young and old, which is becoming ever wider in today’s society. Seniors who have completed their working lives run a certain risk of what psychologists call “bore-out”: the feeling of no longer being needed that can suddenly take over and negatively influence one’s own actions and thoughts. In this regard, there is a need for action on a European level. These aspects inspired the consortium of AGE:WISE to develop a project aimed at seniors in order to empower them to engage in intergenerational learning settings (IGL) – as a teacher.
The main objective of AGE:WISE is to equip seniors with skills on two levels:
1. Recognising their personal, valuable competencies and knowledge and thus restore their self-confidence outside of professional life
2. Acquiring training skills that enable them to slip into the role of a teacher and pass on their valuable knowledge to young people
To build solid frameworks for these processes, AGE:WISE also addresses adult trainers and educational institutions where IGL settings can be implemented. They will act as multipliers for the results and visions of AGE:WISE and provide guidance for seniors who want to teach young people.
