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1st Kick-off meeting in Volos, 14-15 of March 2024

On 14 and 15 March 2024, the kick-off meeting of the IKIGAI55 project, coordinated by the University of Thessaly, marked a new era in training for older and middle-aged people over 55. The Erasmus+ Sport IKIGAI55 programme brings to the fore the use of smart technologies, such as wearables, to promote health and enhance digital literacy among the elderly population. Involving countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Italy, the programme seeks to improve the skills of trainers, coaches and fitness instructors. Objectives include enhancing health, reducing the digital divide and improving the sense of inclusion among older people, opening new pathways to healthy living and digital inclusion.

ESKILARA successfully hosted our "Training of Trainers" event in Bilbao from July 9-11, 2024. The event was a great success, with partners receiving in-depth training on the developed materials related to the Living Lab methodology. Participants engaged in hands-on practice and interactive sessions, enhancing their skills and knowledge. We thank all the attendees for their enthusiastic participation and valuable contributions.

On 13 and 14 of November 2024, the 2nd in person meeting of the IKIGAI55 project, took place in Cascais, Portugal. All partners participated, setting the stage for a fruitful and productive meeting.

INQUIRIUM successfully held the 2nd Training of Trainers event alongside its 3rd Transnational Project Meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, from April 8 to April 19, 2025. The Training of Trainers brought together project partners and adult education professionals from across Europe to explore the IKIGAI55 methodology, tools, and practices designed to promote active ageing, wellbeing, and lifelong learning among adults aged 55 and over. The intensive sessions focused on empowering trainers to facilitate knowledge-sharing groups and implement the project's piloting.

The IKIGAI55 Multiplier Event, hosted by the University of Thessaly on May 30th, 2025 in Larissa, highlighted the project's objective to encourage active, healthy, and meaningful ageing for persons aged 55 and up. The session focused on the project's aim, its results, and the pilot (5-week intervention) in Greece. Participants included older individuals, civil society actors, social and health experts, academicians, and a local basketball team. The team's presence underscored the importance of sports in promoting long-term well-being and inclusivity. Open discussion sessions facilitated feedback from stakeholders and potential participants. Participants expressed a strong desire to participate in the pilot phase and collaborate on future initiatives.

On May 10, 2025, the IKIGAI55’s ‘Empowering Healthy Living’ event took place at YouthMakerspace Larnaca, bringing together sports and exercise professionals, nutritionists, researchers, seniors, and community members to explore innovative approaches to health and wellbeing, particularly for individuals aged 55 and above.

The IKIGAI55 Multiplier Event, hosted by ULE on May 30th, 2025 in Udine, Italy, highlighted the project's results to encourage active, healthy, and meaningful ageing for older people aged 55 and up.

The event was organized by 5 project managers of Trebag and participants were gathered via trainers and facilitators of older adults as well as via social media. Altogether 59 old adults and ten trainers attended the event. After the project presentation and the presentation of results, others speakers talked about the benefits of dance and yoga for the older target group. The 1 hour practical session on senior dancing and the yoga session were very successful. Participants had the chance to try various types of dances and experience the beneficial effects of yoga via many exercises.

A total of 70 PE teachers and PE students participated in the multiplier Event which took place at Domein Hazewinkel in Willebroek Belgium on October 9th 2025. The event began with an overview of the IKIGAI55 project and its key deliverables, followed by an introduction to VR applications tailored for senior users. After lunch, a second presentation focused on the intervention implemented in Belgium and its findings. The day concluded with a Q&A session, providing opportunities for networking among participants.

The IKIGAI55 Multiplier Event, hosted by ESKILARA on May 22nd, 2025 in Derio, Biscay, highlighted the project's objective to encourage active, healthy, and meaningful ageing for older people aged 55 and up. The session focused on the project's aim, its results, and the pilot (5-week intervention) in Bilbao. Participants included adults aged 55+, elderly associations, physiotherapists, sports instructors, wellness facilitators, as well as representatives from public organisations, research centers and industry. The team's presence underscored the challenges of using smart devices and tools to promote physical activity and adherence in older adults. Open discussion sessions facilitated feedback from stakeholders and potential participants. Participants expressed a strong desire to participate in the pilot phase and collaborate on future initiatives.

Presentation of IKIGAI55 to stage the main objectives of the project and, specifically, to present the project training outputs that will be used for its implementation. Most of the attendees were sport trainers and sport clubs staff/managers, but also local media and other local stakeholders interested in the topic participated in the event. The event was presided by Víctor López de la Parte, First Vice President of Diputación Provincial de Zamora, and Amaranta Ratón Fresno, Deputy for European Funds, Entrepreneurship and Equality, who pointed out our commitment to the Silver Economy, silver people of Zamora province, and the creation of new job opportunities.

The IKIGAI55 Multiplier Event “Active Body and Mind Throughout Life“ was hosted by Tabela Espontânea Unipessoal Lda (Weople) took place in the Senior Academy of Red Cross in Cascais, Portugal on July 4th, 2025. Designed to engage both the general public and professional trainers, the event offered a full-day programme combining scientific knowledge, interactive practices, and inspirational tools.

On 1st of October 2025, the 4th and final in person meeting of the IKIGAI55 project, took place in Zamora, Spain. All partners participated, setting the stage for a fruitful and productive meeting.

On 2nd of October 2025, Deputacion de Zamora successfully hosted the Final Conference of the IKIGAI55 project. The conference provided an opportunity for partners to present the main results of the project, including the "Trainers' Guide" and the "Motivation Manual," to exchange experiences, and to highlight the importance of education and technology for active and healthy aging.