In order to promote comprehension and cooperation amongst generations, in 2008, Commissioner Špidla proposed that April 29 become the European Day for Solidarity Amongst Generations. Over the course of the years, this initiative has helped to raise public and political awareness to the need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation amongst different age groups.
The increasingly older population (over-65s will rise from 17.4% in 2010 to 29.5% in 2060 according to the OECD) means that demographic ageing could become a source of intergenerational tension in the future. The growing number of inactive or needy individuals and the reduction and/or dispersal of nuclear families means that this reality could be too difficult to maintain for the younger generations.
In Europe, Italy is one of the fastest ageing countries after Germany. The relation between youth and elderly is already significant: there are 154 elders for every 100 young men and women aged under 15. Moreover, over one out of every four elderly lives alone. Only 17.8% of over-65s own a computer and only 16.3% has Internet access.
And yet there are many tools that can make the life of the elderly easier, safer and more serene, even reducing the cost of assistance from remote rescue to distance rehabilitation services. Who can teach the elderly how to use new technology?
The FMD has long hedged its bets on an alliance between young and old, not just through the exchange of digital knowledge and skills for the elderly (Grandparents on the Internet), but also through entrepreneurial activities to create new jobs (Amongst Generations- United for Work, The Italian Makers, etc.).
What We Do
The playlist narrates the stories of Knowledge Volunteers, a Network of over 40,000 individuals of all ages and nationalities, who have decided to dedicate part of their time to social projects to improve their communities, fight social exclusion, promote the free exchange of knowledge and active life styles to create new work opportunities through digital tools.
The playlist begins with the “Knowledge is Wealth. Share it!” Campaign.
