Project Ge.R.A.S
Combating Ageism: Generating Resources to Break Down Stereotypes (Ge.R.A.S. Project)
Issue 1/2026 of the journal "Abitare e Anziani" was dedicated to presenting and describing the Ge.R.A.S. Project and its developments within the local community.
Area: The Ge.R.A.S. Project is part of actions aimed at preventing and combating ageism, a phenomenon consisting of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age. Ageism is a source of inequality and threatens social cohesion. Older adults themselves may internalize stereotypes about ageing, with highly negative effects on their physical and psychological health as well as on their social role.
Co-design: The Ge.R.A.S. Project originated from a co-design initiative involving four departments of the University of Florence:
- NEUROFARBA Department (lead partner), Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Manila Vannucci
- FORLILPSI Department, Representative: Prof. Ersilia Menesini
- DMSC Department, Representative: Prof. Mauro Di Bari
- DISIA Department, Representative: Prof. Bruno Bertaccini
External Partners: Three external partners also contributed to promoting and implementing the project within the local area:
- Auser Tuscany Region, Representative: Mr. Renato Campinoti
- Auser Arezzo Territorial Branch, Representative: Dr. Giuseppina Stellitano
- Tuscany South-East Local Health Authority, Representative: Dr. Renzo Paradisi
Objectives: Building on the scientific work of the researchers involved, the Ge.R.A.S. Project aims to:
- raise awareness among citizens, particularly those aged 65 and over, about ageism and the effects of internalizing false beliefs about ageing;
- actively counter false beliefs about ageing (in relation to cognition, physical health, and well-being) in order to promote conscious and stereotype-free ageing.
To achieve these objectives, the Ge.R.A.S. Project placed great importance on listening to the needs of the local community and fostering the proactive involvement of citizens (especially those aged 65 and over), associations, and local institutions.
Such proactive involvement is essential for disseminating scientific knowledge effectively and, in the case of ageism, for ensuring that the knowledge shared becomes an effective tool to reduce inequality and discrimination in society.
Within the Ge.R.A.S. Project, the assessment of local needs—conducted through data collection—guided and informed subsequent awareness-raising activities and actions aimed at countering false beliefs about ageing.
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 throughout its various phases and activities.
Ge.R.A.S. Actions
To achieve its objectives, the Ge.R.A.S. Project included three phases/actions:
- Assessment of local needs regarding ageism and perceptions of ageing through a questionnaire administered to more than 400 residents aged 65 and over in the target area;
- Cultural event aimed at raising awareness
- Workshop-based training programme (consisting of several sessions) addressed to groups of volunteers aged 65 and over from local associations, aimed at deconstructing common misconceptions about ageing and fostering personal and collective resources to support conscious ageing.
Last update
16.06.2026