To equip for conscious ageing and conscious living in a digital society
Erasmus+ project
1 November 2021 – 31 October 2023
About
Why?
Because Europe is ageing, governments are not able to tackle the care crisis, the housing crisis, the climate crisis, the ecological crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the mental health crisis, by themselves.
Citizens and local organisations must be more (pro)active and participatory to work out local solutions that benefit from European diversity.
What?
1. Creating spaces, ecosystems and networks of consciously ageing individuals and organisations.
2. Creating and delivering trainings, learning events, and educational programs.
3. Strengthening the grassroots, and action-level strategic cooperation between a central and a peripheral EU member states.
Who?
Hecate Conscious Ageing Foundation (NL) and Janoshida Municipality (HU) as well as citizens, partner organisations and experts, co-creating together.
Where?
In the Netherlands, in Hungary, in public spaces, and online. In places that are suitable for community learning and co-creating.
Related
UnfOlding / conscious ageing and conscious living in a digital society
The UnfOlding project provides unique learning opportunities for its target groups in The Netherlands and Hungary, focusing on conscious ageing, conscious living in a digital world.
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ECAN (European Conscious Ageing Network)
In 2023, the European Conscious Ageing Network was established to further develop the cooperation between HCAF and JM.
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Empowering through training: bridging the digital gaps with the UnfOlding project
We have been developing a learning community of Dutch, Hungarian and other European people around the topic of conscious and active ageing.
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Pictures from the
learning community
and activities
We had a lot of good times together during the last two years and hope there are many more to come.
Memories in pictures
Testimonials
Since starting the program, the way I view my ageing has changed in the following ways:
“It has become broader, there are so many variations”
“It has broadened, and sometimes deepened, my perception and view of the subject. Increased awareness and broadening of knowledge, as well as being able to discuss it with peers from diverse backgrounds and ages, makes a difficult subject tangible and suddenly less grand.”
“I am more aware of the need to talk about growing older.”
“Awareness, trying to plan everything and deal with it consciously instead of letting it happen to me”
“Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t do anything anymore. It’s nice to spar with people about growing older and hear other perspectives.”
“Broader view and more urgency”
“I was helped by a number of “tools” that allowed me to achieve a number of things even better and more clearly.”
“I don’t have a different view, but I am more aware that I have a good approach to life, what measures I took and what expectations I have. I have realized that this is not obvious for everyone.”
“Because I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the start of the program, my view on growing older has completely changed”
“What I especially remember is that the circle of people around you is especially important with people close by”
“It has not changed, but it confirms that growing older is a phase in life with ups and downs. It’s nice to pay attention to it together with others. “
“Yes and no, it has solidified and strengthened my thoughts on this. Without extra worries.”
Impact
The summary of the key findings of the surveys of the Dutch UnfOlding program:
- The UnfOlding program had a remarkable impact, demonstrating a tangible and collective change in participants’ attitudes towards ageing. The program not only prompted individual shifts but also fostered a sense of shared positive attitude and consensus among participants.
- Participants of the UnfOlding program indicated being more conscious in making decisions in all explored areas in the program, such as social life, professional life, housing, physical and mental health, financial sustainability, spirituality, and end-of-life since the beginning of the program. While there are variations in the level of agreement, the overall pattern suggests an increased proactive engagement and consideration of ageing-related factors in decision-making across various aspects of life.
- There is a general positive trend across various areas, with participants indicating that they have taken concrete actions in preparation for their older age, with social life, mental and physical health aspects showing particularly positive trends.
- Throughout the UnfOlding program, an environment was cultivated in which participants progressively perceived and experienced meaningful support within the community. However, by narrowly tailoring our focus to the Netherlands, Dutch-speaking participants living abroad felt less supported.
- Participants highlighted as major takeaways the energizing impact of sharing experiences, emphasizing the newfound awareness of ageing as a crucial aspect. The program fostered a sense of community, encouraging proactive planning while acknowledging the unpredictability of life. Overall, it emphasized the significance of connections, the prevention of loneliness, and the collaborative journey toward conscious ageing.
In conclusion, the UnfOlding training program has proven highly effective in reshaping the narrative around ageing and promoting conscious ageing, conscious living. The program’s impact is evident in the tangible shifts observed in participants’ attitudes and the concrete actions taken in various aspects of their lives. We take pride in the flourishing sense of community that has emerged, fostering meaningful connections and support. The strength of the program lies not only in the comprehensive content of the training but also in the robust support of the community and the shared experiences that extend over a longer period. Reflecting on the journey, we appreciate the valuable insights gained from both international and Dutch participants, guiding us in ongoing refinements. Looking ahead, our commitment remains steadfast in cultivating a community devoted to conscious ageing and conscious living, empowering individuals and communities to navigate ageing with consciousness, resilience, awareness, and collaborative engagement.
Hekate 