Civic education ADOPT A GRANDPARENT Active citizenship means getting involved in the life of your community and nation so that you can help determine your country s future. One irony of our hyperconnected digital age is that people can feel isolated, but there are many ways to get involved. 7 CLASS WORK Discuss. Have you ever volunteered? If so, talk about your experience. If not, would you like to try? In which field(s)? 8 PAIR WORK Read about the following initiative. Make a list of the positive outcomes both for the elderly and the young people involved in the activity. Explain why the programme is mutually bene cial. Adopt a Grandparent Adopt a Grandparent is a heart-warming initiative that aims to bridge the generational gap by connecting younger individuals with elderly people who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through this programme, volunteers adopt a grandparent, building meaningful relationships through regular conversations, whether in person or virtually. These interactions provide companionship for the elderly, many of whom may live in care homes or away from their families. For the younger participants, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to gain wisdom from older generations while fostering empathy, For young people 9 patience, and understanding. It also helps challenge societal stereotypes about ageing by highlighting the valuable insights and life experiences that seniors can offer. In turn, elderly participants often experience improved mental well-being, a sense of purpose, and reduced feelings of isolation. The programme is mutually beneficial, fostering emotional connections that enrich both parties lives. In a world where many older adults face loneliness, Adopt a Grandparent serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of intergenerational bonds and human connection, promoting a more compassionate and inclusive society. Adapted from: https://adoptagrandparent.org.uk For the elderly GROUP WORK Find information about similar initiatives in Italy. Then report to the class with a short presentation, video, or infographic. 224 ADULTS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE bond: legame to foster: incoraggiare wisdom: saggezza