Adding life to years
Login
Join us
Text size:
-+=

Summary

The Municipality of Alexandroupoli operates 4 Creative Employment Groups exclusively for women, specifically in the city of Alexandroupoli and the municipal units of Antheia, Aristeino, and Loutro. The purpose of these groups is to utilize the free time of older adult women, strengthen community involvement, and foster lifelong informal learning.

A two-hour weekly meeting is held once a week in Alexandroupoli and the municipal units of Antheia, Aristeino, and Loutro. The meeting is dedicated to lifelong informal education through presentations and talks by professionals from various fields (doctors, psychologists, agronomists, etc.) covering a wide range of topics. Occasionally, activities are organized to familiarize participants with computer use and technology. The group in the city of Alexandroupoli is the largest. On average, 45 people attend the regular weekly meeting. The groups in the settlements have an average of 15 members. The operation of the Alexandroupoli group is complemented by creative activities with choir and dance teachers.

The group carries out social and philanthropic work. It organizes social events, trips, and bazaars. The proceeds from these events support vulnerable families and children. The participants themselves report that the groups contribute to and improve autonomy, self-esteem, solidarity, cooperation, education, respect, community involvement, and the transmission of volunteering as a high value.

Key facts

Main target group: Only older women

Sector(s): Information and communication

Other sector(s): Education

Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
  • Intergenerational activities
  • Inclusion
  • Participation

Contact details

Name: SARANTO TZANAVARLI

Email address: saratza@alexpolis.gr

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Others involved in the project:
  • Volunteers

How collaboration worked: Project management is conducted by the Department of the Elderly, where an employee is assigned to support the group’s activities. The group uses the facilities of Municipality of Alexndroupolis for regular meeting and activities. The group organizes charity balls and events to raise funds for vulnerable families.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: The group elects its representatives through a secret ballot every three years or earlier in the event of members leaving. The group decides in the weekly gatherings about participating in certain activities ro not. The group submits proposals to the Municipality about various activities.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Feedback:
The group of women provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. As soon as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, they actively sought the group’s resumption through various actions

Expansion plans:
Bulding similar groups to other areas

Looking back

Reflections:
The members of the groups form the groups function according to their needs. Through the years the tend to keep positive outcomes and avoid negative ones. The opinion of the members of the group should always taken into account as they shape the path of continuity.

Challenges:
Faced with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the group’s members demonstrated remarkable commitment and effort in re-establishing the Alexandroupoli group.