Currently, establishing relationships between generations has become increasingly challenging due to the frenetic pace and new technologies that predominate in society. As Portugal is the 4th country in the European Union with the most inhabitants over 65 years of age, it is necessary to develop activities and initiatives that promote active aging of the population, help combat loneliness and allow greater involvement of this age group in society, especially with the younger generation.

The intergenerational connection is usually neglected and the elderly are often left on the sidelines, without due appreciation of their experiences' richness and the support they need, inherent to their age. By rediscovering the pleasure of life stories and lessons passed down from generation to generation, we can build a more connected and compassionate society.

On this subject, Agora Aveiro focuses on promoting a morning full of joy and with educational, interactive games and lots of stories, which proves to be a method capable of bringing elderly people closer to younger generations.

In response to this problem, Agora Aveiro gathered its volunteers on July 10th at 10 am in Parque da Cidade, together with the Centro Comunitário da Gafanha do Carmo and the Associação de Solidariedade Social Casa Mãe de Aradas (ASSCMA), to provide a different morning for the three dozen children and elderly people who were present at the activity. This was not the first time that “Jogos Sem Idade” took to the streets: on May 24, 2023, in celebration of World Neighbor Day, and at the request of IPSS Florinhas do Vouga, with which we have been collaborating for a long time, we provided an afternoon of fun, solidarity and dynamics for around 100 participants, who gathered in the Santiago neighborhood to play bowling, knitting, fishing, foosball, basketball, stilts, hoops and even karaoke.

In these games, age does not make itself felt. You can feel the smiles of well-being and the laughter of fun from the participants. More than a simple meeting where children and elderly people come together to carry out activities and games, these actions are an exchange of stories and experiences, allowing elderly people to remember their childhood and younger people to learn about the past.

Actively participating, listening attentively and exchanging knowledge not only adds value to our lives, but also solidifies us as a cohesive and strong community.

 “Jogos Sem Idade” is part of the “Random Acts of Kindness” project. It was carried out in partnership with the Centro Comunitário da Gafanha do Carmo and the Associação de Solidariedade Social Casa Mãe de Aradas (ASSCMA). It also had the support of Câmara Municipal de Aveiro e do Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude I.P..