CHRC intergenerational program targeting the older adults was served as a model for community-based knowledge translation

Global aging highlights the importance of strategies tailored to older adults' unique needs. Aging is accompanied by physical, psychological, and social changes, often leading to chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and frailty, which impact functional independence and quality of life (QoL). To promote healthy aging, active aging has emerged as a vital concept, encouraging older adults to remain engaged in society. Intergenerational programs (IGPs) foster connections between generations through activities spanning education, social engagement, recreate on, and health promotion, delivering mutual benefits to participants of all ages. 

In line with CHRC's thematic line "Health Promotion and Health Care Through the Life Course," CHRC-NOVA Medical School collaborated with Junta de Freguesia de Arroios to design and implement a structured health promotion program tailored to older adults’ needs. This initiative leverages the well-established Academia Sénior de Arroios platform, blending social and cultural activities with targeted health promotion efforts to strengthen community ties. This intergenerational program actively involves medical students, NMS researchers, and senior university participants, serving as a model for community-based knowledge translation.

By the end of the 2024/25 academic year, a total of eight collaborative actions will be held, covering diverse subjects:

1. Lecture “Exercise vs. Physical activity” - 10th of October, 2023 - In this activity, “Physical Exercise for Fall Prevention”, a subject that significantly impacts elderly communities worldwide, took center stage. Different sub-topics were explored, including: Causes, Consequences, and most importantly Prevention of Falls. Open discussion moments fostered a continuous flow of insights. Researchers received valuable information, including the increasing adoption of new technologies by the elderly, and how to improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

Leading this session were Prof. Dr. Ana Rodrigues, Rheumatologist and Professor at Nova Medical School, and Physiotherapist Alexandre Moniz, researcher affiliated to NMS and CHRC.

1. ACTION "Physical Exercise for Fall Prevention" - 11th of July, 2024 and on 31st of October, 2024 – Both these initiatives lasted about an hour and a half, and brought participants to actively engage in physical activity at Jardim do Campo Mártires da Pátria (11th of July) and Mercado de Culturas (31st of October). Participants partook in a dynamic game blending theory and practice - activity led by the Prof. Dr. Ana Rodrigues (Coordinator of the Curricular Unit Doente Idoso, EpiDoC Principal Investigator), and remaining EpiDoc team - followed by a Pilates class - a moment carried out by the exercise professionals from Academia Sénior de Arroios.

The goal of this activity was to conclude the curricular unit on “Physical Exercise for Fall Prevention”, previously addressed in a theoretical class, and demonstrate how physical exercise can be integrated into the daily lives of each participant, enhancing quality of life, and decreasing the risk of falling.

1. WORKSHOP "Facts and myths about vaccination" - 6th of November, 2024 and on 13th of November, 2024 – The activity began with a theatrical performance by the Drama Group from Academia Sénior de Arroios, addressing common fears surrounding vaccination. This was followed by a ‘breaking down myths’ session on vaccination led by volunteer medical students.

The event concluded with an engaging and dynamic discussion, where fourth-year medical students, guided by their NMS professors, raised and addressed questions and doubts. 

This collaborative activity aimed at promoting a safe and relaxed environment, to discuss vaccination beliefs, improve health literacy of the population on vaccination, promoting informed decisions. 

1. SOON: WORKSHOP "Love after 50" - 13th of February, 2025- This workshop aims to clarify myths related to sexuality in older adults. Key topics will include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and sexually transmitted diseases. The event will feature a theatrical performance by the Theater Group of the Senior Academy of Arroios, followed by a panel discussion with sexologists, gynecologists, and urologists. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A segment
2. SOON: WORKSHOP "High temperatures and dehydration" - 30th of April, 2025 and on 07th of May, 2025- The final planned workshops for this academic year will focus on the impact of heatwaves on older adults, providing strategies to help this population cope with such events. The methodology will be similar to that used in "Facts and Myths About Vaccination” wokshops

Different learning techniques are being used, from more conventional settings – theoretical interactive or practical physical exercise classes – to truly innovative concepts – using theatrical performances as a starting-point for debate, and workshops. This approach allows health professionals and medical students to share knowledge in a more informal and closer context, and to receive practical insights and real-life challenges felt by the population. These activities already reached more than 150 people from Central Lisbon area, aged between 59 and 95 years-old.

Although the program’s implementation results have not yet been measured, its design demonstrates a strong commitment to health promotion and intergenerational collaboration, aiming to create a positive impact on the community. 

This work has been developed in collaboration with CHR NOVA Medical School, EpiDoc Unit - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases and Ageing, Lisbon AHA – Reference Site for Active and Healthy Ageing, Junta de Freguesia de Arroios, Academia Sénior de Arroios and the Theater group of Academia Sénior de Arroios.