Bridging Generations for a Green and Digital Future: The InterGenic Conference in Castellón

The InterGenic project (intergenic.eu) achieved a significant milestone at the end of October by hosting a major conference at the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Castellón, Spain. The event successfully brought together project partners, experts, and local stakeholders to present the project's latest outcomes and showcase best practices in intergenerational collaboration, focusing on a sustainable and digitally inclusive future.

The conference, expertly hosted by UJI's Institute of New Imaging Technologies (INIT), highlighted the crucial role of digital technology in fostering social responsibility. INIT, known for its cutting-edge research in computer vision, VR, AI, and geographic information systems, provided the ideal backdrop for discussing how digital tools can facilitate dialogue and action across generations.

Spotlight on National Initiatives: Fundación Colisée

A key focus of the conference was the presentation of inspiring national and local initiatives. We were privileged to hear from Gabriela Barera, Head of Programs at Fundación Colisée, an organization dedicated to promoting successful, healthy, and active aging, while combating social isolation and ageism.

International Best Practice: The Odisee Hackathon

The conference also featured a dynamic round table where all project partners shared the impact of their intergenerational actions. A stand-out best practice came from Belgium, where the Odisee University organized a large-scale Hackathon.

This massive event, involving over 350 people and numerous stakeholders, successfully integrated the InterGenic theme. The project was mentioned in the plenum sessions and served as a basis for three different cases. Notably, the winning solution presented by the jury had a very strong, integrated intergenerational component, demonstrating the power of diverse age groups collaborating on innovative solutions.

Gabriela Barera’s presentation on "Best practices in intergenerational actions" detailed Fundación Colisée’s impactful work. The foundation's commitment to social research and inclusion was evident in projects like:

• GenerAcción: A comprehensive intergenerational education program for Primary, Secondary, and Vocational Training students, specifically designed to prevent ageism and foster mutual respect.

• “Échame Años” (Primary Education): Activities based on storytelling, games, and creativity to help young children understand and view the aging process positively.

• “La maleta del tiempo” (Secondary Education): Gamified awareness sessions and meaningful encounters connecting teenagers with older adults.

• “Ponte en mi piel”: An experiential learning session that uses a GERT simulation suit, allowing participants to physically "experience" the challenges associated with aging, building profound empathy.

.While organizing such a large event had its challenges - including the need for light and smart evaluation processes and stakeholder management - it was hailed as an important first step. The ambition is to embed the Hackathon deeper into the InterGenic structure, potentially positioning the event itself as an intergenerational activity for the future, involving key coordinators from both Odisee and the Town of Aalst.

A Successful Conclusion

The conference in Castellón served as a powerful platform, successfully bridging the local impact demonstrated by Fundación Colisée with the transnational actions highlighted by the Odisee Hackathon. It reaffirmed the project's progress and the collective commitment of all partners to achieving a green and digital future through meaningful intergenerational cooperation.