Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) - Interpromoting an Age-friendly Community

Our VIP explored how the University could work with BANES and local older adults to help create a more age-friendly and inclusive local environment. This was the third year of the project. In the first year, we developed a survey to investigate what older adults were looking for to help them stay active in their local community. In the second year, we organised a workshop with students to unpack the notion of ageism, using three video clips generated by the Film Active project. This year, we brought together older and younger adults by hosting two activity sessions. These two gardening sessions enabled older adults to stay active by engaging in handcrafts, such as painting mini terracotta pots, together with students from the University. This topic was selected based on the previous survey results, where older adult respondents expressed their interest in gardening and their willingness to work with younger adults. The sessions also supported the well-being of older adults, as they will provide a social and safe space for interaction with other older people and an opportunity to meet new students. All handcrafted items were taken away as memorable mementos of their participation.

This initiative was supported by the VIP fund, with Prof. Fiona Gillison from the Department for Health serving as our academic lead.