Active participation of older people in the democratic life of Europe
Democracy needs
every voice...
AT EVERY AGE
What is the AGES project?
A European project that enhances the participation of older people in democratic life, bringing older people themselves, civil society organizations, and policymakers to the same table.
​
Who it concerns
Older citizens · civil society organizations (NGOs) · policymakers
​
What it aims to achieve
To ensure the voice of older people is heard and matters in decision-making – at a local and European level.
​
The context
A European project with 5 partners, co-funded by the European Union.
Why it matters
Today, the participation of older people in democratic life remains low, not due to a lack of interest, but because of barriers they encounter in their daily lives.
The barriers today
-
Digital divide
-
Age discrimination
-
Gender inequalities
-
Few opportunities for participation
The vision of AGES..!
From a democracy that is formally open, but exclusive in practice...
...to a democracy where every generation has an active, recognized, and meaningful role.
From your voice to political change
Your experience today is the first step of a journey that reaches Brussels, through 4 consultation countries (Italy, Spain, Cyprus, France) and a pan-European consultation and research.
Project activities
1.Consultations
-
At national level: structured in-person consultations in each partner country, where seniors, CSO and public authorities share barriers and enablers for senior participation in democratic life. “You can find the report on these activities here.”
​​
-
At EU level: online consultations that bring together voices from across EU countries, allowing a transnational exchange of perspectives. “You can find the report on these activities here.”
​
2- Civil dialogue
-
Local focus groups create safe and inclusive spaces for structured civil dialogue, where seniors, CSOs and policymakers work together to co-create concrete recommendations for more inclusive governance. “You can find the report on these activities here.”
​
3- Conferences
-
National Conferences present the project results, including the policy recommendations at national level and strengthening links between citizens and public authorities. “You can find the report on these activities here.”
-
The final European conference in Brussels brings together stakeholders from across Europe to present the project’s outcomes amplifying the voice of seniors within European democratic and governance processes. “You can find the report on these activities here.”
4- Raise Awareness Webinars
-
Online awareness-raising webinars promote democratic rights, and strengthen public understanding of the role of older citizens in active democratic participation. Check out these activities report here.
