AGE Belgium member Respect Seniors is organising a series of intergenerational activities as part of the European Week of Intergenerational Solidarity. These initiatives aim to foster meaningful connections between young and older people, dismantle stereotypes, and promote a society where every generation is valued.
Programme
- Intergenerational Game Afternoon – “Let’s Play Across Ages!”
Date: April 23, 2025
Bd des Archers 54, 1400 Nivelles (Belgium)
Respect Seniors invites people of all ages to join an afternoon of fun and games where different generations can meet and connect. The event is designed to encourage meaningful interactions through play, fostering relationships without competition – only joy and learning.If you’re in Nivelles (Belgium) or nearby, be sure to take part in this inspiring activity.
- Yuugi Ki Project – Building Bridges
Respect Seniors has introduced the Yuugi Ki tool to a local nursing home as part of their work on “Vie Relationnelle, Affective et Sexuelle” (VRAS). Unlike traditional initiatives, this tool is not used by staff but by young students who regularly visit the nursing home as part of their school hours. These consistent interactions create an opportunity for genuine relationships to develop between residents and students.To further deepen these connections, Respect Seniors organises internships within the nursing home for participating students. The project will culminate in a seaside holiday, where residents and students will stay together in the same facility, strengthening their bonds through shared experiences and mutual learning.
- “I’M AGE” Exchange – Love and Time
Date: April 23, 2025
Aywaille, BelgiumResidents of Jardin des Chantoirs (Aywaille) and young people from the Aywaille Youth Centre will participate in a dialogue centred around love and the passage of time, using the “I’M AGE” tool. This initiative builds on the success of last year’s event, which brought together different generations for rich conversations over a convivial slice of pie.
Testimonies
Intergenerational Week: Unforgettable Encounters
Each year, Respect Seniors takes part in Intergenerational Week, an initiative promoted by the organization Entr’âge. Last year, one of the highlights was an intergenerational gathering themed “The Passing of Time.“
Here are some testimonials from participants:
- Louise, 13 years old: “I thought older people hated us because they thought we were always on our iPhones.
- Emma, 83 years old: “I’m happy to have heard the youth; they were genuine and spoke from the heart.”
- Alix, 13 years old: “It’s cool that you’re open and understand our generation.
- Johanna, 80 years old: “I sensed a lot of anxiety in the youth’s words. Shall we meet again?
- Thaïs, 14 years old: “I thought the activity wouldn’t go well, but it went smoothly. It was great sharing with you.”
Why Intergenerational Activities Matter
Respect Seniors is committed to combating elder abuse in Belgium and fostering intergenerational connections. Through these events, they aim to:
- Break down stereotypes and combat ageism.
- Prevent elder abuse by encouraging respect and understanding across generations.
- Create a society where every generation is valued and respected.
By bringing young and older people together in meaningful ways, Respect Seniors continues to lead the way in promoting solidarity between generations, ensuring that all age groups are included in a cohesive and respectful society.
