News from 2019

A Look Back at Our First Year of Commitment

2019, the year our On Seniors'Side Foundation was founded, was marked by a wide variety of supported projects. Whether in sports, technology, social connection, or health, each initiative contributed to improving the daily lives of seniors. Here is a summary of the actions undertaken:

➤ Well-being, Health, and Sports

Adapted Physical Activity Sessions (Association: Siel Bleu)

Funding for an annual sports program designed specifically for seniors. The goal is to combat sedentary lifestyles while promoting independence and preventative healthcare through exercises adapted to each individual's abilities.

Sports Therapy for Cancer Patients (Association: CAMI)

Funding for 10-month outpatient sports therapy programs. With two sessions per week, this program helps patients better fight the disease and significantly improves their quality of life.

Installation of a relaxation room (Association: CPPA)

Creation of a dedicated space for relaxation and tranquility, allowing users to recharge, concentrate, and enjoy moments of serenity essential for mental well-being.

Rehabilitation of a therapeutic garden (Association: Les Blouses Roses)

Support for the Les Bâteliers geriatric hospital in Lille through the purchase of planters for their therapeutic garden, offering residents beneficial contact with nature.

Access to healthcare and medical transport (Association: Tunisian Red Crescent)

Providing transportation for seniors from the Zriba region to Tunis for their dialysis sessions, ensuring access to vital care despite reduced mobility.

➤ Social Connection and Combating Isolation

24/7 Helpline (Association: The Silver Line)

Support for the establishment of a 24/7 telephone service to provide isolated seniors with a listening ear and a place to talk at any time of day or night.

Cultural Outings for Isolated Seniors (Association: Freunde alter Menschene.V)

Organization and funding of group outings aimed at combating loneliness. These opportunities for interaction allow participants to discover new horizons, particularly the use of new technologies.

Social activities for hosts (Association: A Roof to Share)

Facilitating workshops aimed at strengthening bonds and fostering a friendly atmosphere within shared housing communities. The goal is to transform simple cohabitation into a genuine human experience.

"Never Alone" Project: Animals and Seniors (Association: Never Alone ASBL)

Funding for a van to facilitate pet adoption by isolated seniors. The vehicle allows future owners to be transported to the shelter or the animal to be brought directly to their home.

Support for Alzheimer's Patients (Association: Alzheimer's Society)

Funding for in-home care one day a week for patients with Alzheimer's, thus providing essential respite for family caregivers.

A Day at the Dar Zaghouan Farm (Association for the Protection of the Elderly of Zaghouan)

Organization of a complete excursion for 30 seniors without family support: bus transportation, a convivial meal, musical entertainment, and gifts for a day of total escape.

➤ Innovation, digital and habitat

Interactive Activity Table (Association: DE RUYSCHAERT)

Acquisition of a fun digital tool for a retirement home. This table allows residents to gather around interactive games, thus stimulating conviviality and group spirit.

Interactive Music Kiosks (Association: French Red Cross)

Installation of kiosks providing access to music and online games, promoting entertainment and digital literacy in hospital and community settings.

Digital Tablets and Family Connections (Association: Soleil d’Automne)

Providing tablets with simplified social applications to allow seniors to stay in close contact with their families through sharing messages and photos.

Shared Housing Development (Association: Encour'âge)

Conversion of a house to accommodate 12 seniors in a shared living arrangement. This project offers an alternative between living alone and in a care facility, preserving independence while ensuring a rich social life.

➤ Training and Knowledge Transfer

Digital Skills Training (Association: Les Sans Souci)

Acquisition of projection equipment to lead computer workshops for seniors (up to 92 years old!), helping them stay connected and independent in their daily tasks.

Professional Integration of Seniors (Association: La Cravate Solidaire)

Support for 100 job seekers over 55 years old. Through coaching and three years of follow-up, the project aims to restore confidence and provide the necessary tools for a successful return to employment.

Intergenerational Transmission (Association: EGPE)

Language training for 3 seniors so they can lead language workshops for children with learning difficulties, thus valuing their knowledge and strengthening intergenerational bonds.

Training for home care workers (Association: Unterstutzungsnetzwerk)

Funding for training for 10 care professionals to optimize home care for seniors in the best possible conditions.

End-of-Life Caregiver Training (Association: AMBULANTER)

Specific training program for caregivers, teaching them how to provide dignified and compassionate support to seniors at the end of their lives.

Creative Writing Workshops (Association: La Piscine les Amis)

Writing workshops designed to stimulate the imagination of seniors and help them improve their writing skills.

➤ Foresight and Culture

Observatory for Healthy Aging (Association: OLDYSSEY)

Supporting a global initiative to raise awareness about aging. The project analyzes and disseminates best practices in social innovation from around the world to better integrate seniors into French society.

Music Festival in Social Housing (Association: 1 Roof, 2 Generations)

Organizing a festive musical event in Chambéry, offering residents a moment of cultural sharing and collective joy.