Ge.R.A.S Project
Combating Ageism: Generating Resources to Break Stereotypes (Ge.R.A.S Project)
Scope: The Ge.R.A.S project falls under actions for the prevention and countering of ageism, a phenomenon consisting of stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination based on age. Ageism causes inequality and threatens social cohesion. Sometimes older adults internalize these stereotypes, negatively affecting their physical and mental health and social roles.
Co-design: The Ge.R.A.S project arose from a co-design activity involving 4 UNIFI departments:
- Dipartimento NEUROFARBA (lead), scientific coordinator: Prof.ssa Manila Vannucci
- Dipartimento FORLILPSI, contact: Prof.ssa Ersilia Menesini
- Dipartimento DMSC, contact: Prof. Mauro di Bari
- Dipartimento DISIA, contact: Prof. Bruno Bertaccini
External partners: Three external partners contributed to promoting and implementing the project in the territory:
- Auser Toscana Region, contact: Sig. Renato Campinoti
- Auser Territoriale Arezzo, contact: Dott.ssa Giuseppina Stellitano
- Azienda Usl Toscana Sud-Est, contact: Dr. Renzo Paradisi
Objectives: Leveraging the scientific expertise of the researchers involved, the Ge.R.A.S project aims to:
- Raise awareness among citizens, especially those over 65, about ageism and the effects of internalizing false beliefs about aging;
- Actively counter false beliefs about aging (cognitive, physical health, and well-being) to promote conscious, stereotype-free aging;
To achieve these objectives, Ge.R.A.S emphasizes listening to the needs of the territory, actively involving citizens (especially those over 65), associations, and local organizations in the project.
Proactive territorial involvement is essential for disseminating scientific knowledge and, in the case of ageism, ensuring that this knowledge becomes an effective tool to reduce inequality and discrimination in society.
In Ge.R.A.S, listening to the territory through data collection guided subsequent actions to raise awareness and counter false beliefs about aging.
Target Audience: The Ge.R.A.S project was implemented in five municipalities of the Valdichiana (Cortona, Foiano della Chiana, Marciano della Chiana, Lucignano, and Sinalunga), involving citizens, associations, and local organizations at various stages.
Ge.R.A.S Actions
To achieve its objectives, the Ge.R.A.S project included three main actions/phases:
- Analysis of territorial needs on ageism and perceptions of aging, conducted via a questionnaire administered to over 400 citizens aged 65+ in the target area
- Cultural event aimed at raising awareness
- Laboratory-based training program (multiple sessions) for volunteer groups (65+) from associations, aimed at deconstructing common false beliefs about aging and activating personal and collective resources to support conscious aging.
Last update
11.03.2026