SHINE 2Europe stood out with distinction at the recent Gerontology Days 2023 International Scientific Conference, which took place in Debrecen, Hungary, on 12 and 13 October, both in person and online.
This SHINE presentation was recognised as one of the best of the event by the Scientific Committee, the Organising Committee and the Presidents of the Sections.
Juliana Louceiro, SHINE’s project manager, was the voice of the organisation, presenting the results of the Culture on Prescription project. Funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, this project aims to prevent and combat social isolation and loneliness through art and culture.
The highlight of the presentation was the theatre course developed in the Portuguese pilot, called Laboratório Sensorial, under the guidance of Trincheira Teatro. Juliana Louceiro shared how dramatisation can strengthen participants’ self-confidence and social skills, but also how it can enhance the expansion of their network of contacts, effectively combating isolation. To emphasise the positive impact of this implementation, the participants’ first-person opinions were shared.
The presentation emphasised how participation in cultural activities can positively transform the lives of older adults, making them not only socially active, but also involved in the community and civically active, providing them with participatory ageing.
In addition, the Culture on Prescription project brings together an interactive learning platform, a training kit and policy recommendations that were also highlighted during the session.
Culture on Prescription is being implemented by a consortium of seven partners, including SHINE 2Europe. The project is being led by ISIS- Institut für Soziale Infrastruktur gGmbH, based in Germany, together with the following partners: Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main (Germany), Dublin City University (Ireland), EAEA-European Association for the Education of Adults (Belgium), Asociatia Grupul de Educatie si Actiune pentru Cetatenie (Romania) and AFEdemy (Netherlands). The project began in January 2022 and is scheduled for completion in April 2024.