Ge.R.A.S Project
Scope: The Ge.R.A.S Project is part of the actions aimed at preventing and countering ageism, a phenomenon consisting of stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination based on age. Ageism is a source of inequality and threatens social cohesion. Sometimes older people themselves internalize stereotypes about aging, with very negative effects on their health (physical and psychological) and their social role.
Co-design: The Ge.R.A.S Project stems from a co-design activity involving four UNIFI Departments:
- NEUROFARBA Department (lead), scientific coordinator: Prof. Manila Vannucci
- FORLILPSI Department, contact: Prof. Ersilia Menesini
- DMSC Department, contact: Prof. Mauro di Bari
- DISIA Department, contact: Prof. Bruno Bertaccini
External partners: Three external partners were also involved in the project, contributing to its promotion and implementation in the territory:
- Auser Tuscany Region, contact: Mr. Renato Campinoti
- Auser Arezzo, contact: Dr. Giuseppina Stellitano
- Local Health Authority Tuscany South-East, contact: Dr. Renzo Paradisi
Objectives: By enhancing the scientific work 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 (in terms of cognition, physical health, and well-being) to promote conscious aging free from stereotypes;
To achieve these goals, the Ge.R.A.S Project placed great importance on listening to the needs of the territory, encouraging the proactive involvement of citizens (particularly those over 65), associations, and local institutions.
Such proactive involvement is essential to disseminate scientific knowledge and, in the case of ageism, to ensure that the knowledge transmitted becomes an effective tool to reduce inequality and discrimination in society.
In the Ge.R.A.S Project, listening to the needs of the territory, carried out through data collection, guided and oriented the subsequent actions of awareness-raising and countering false beliefs about aging.
Target groups: The Ge.R.A.S Project was implemented in five municipalities of the Valdichiana area (Cortona, Foiano della Chiana, Marciano della Chiana, Lucignano, and Sinalunga) and involved citizens, associations, and local institutions in its different phases/actions.
Ge.R.A.S. Actions
To achieve the stated objectives, the Ge.R.A.S Project included three phases/actions:
- Analysis of local needs on ageism and the perception of aging, carried out through a questionnaire administered to a group of over 400 citizens aged 65 and older in the area;
- Cultural event aimed at raising awareness
- Training workshop program (divided into several sessions) addressed to groups of volunteers (aged 65+) from local associations, aimed at deconstructing major false beliefs about aging and fostering the activation of personal and collective resources to support a conscious aging process.
Last update
17.09.2025