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Bridges to the Future

Principal researcher: José Carlos Pinto da Costa

External principal researcher: Inês Alegria (AGIR XXI)

Research group: Livelihoods, Politics and Inequalities


Keywords

Intergenerational dialogue | Social cohesion | Active aging | Active citizenship

Funding Institution

Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Programa Bip-Zip)

Partners

AGIR XXI (coord.), AMBA - Associação de Moradores do Bairro das Amendoeiras Freguesia de Marvila, Junta de Freguesia de Marvila, Centro de Promoção Social Prodac (SCML)

State

Open

Start date

01-09-2025

End date

10-09-2026

Reference

14


Abstract

The "Bridges for the Future" project is an integrated community initiative aimed at promoting social cohesion and combating the isolation of the most vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly population living in Marvila. Through the creation of intergenerational meeting spaces, memory-sharing activities, hands-on workshops, digital training, and community events, the project aims to generate opportunities for dialogue, mutual learning, and appreciation of the lived experiences of older adults, while simultaneously promoting active citizenship among young people.

The project is based on a participatory and horizontal methodology, mobilizing different local stakeholders from the initial assessment to the implementation and monitoring of actions. It is based on empirical evidence and statistical reports (INE, 2023; CML, 2022), which point to growing isolation among older adults, poor digital literacy, and a lack of intergenerational meeting spaces in Marvila. Various existing studies indicate that intergenerational projects have proven positive impacts on mental health, self-esteem, informal learning and community participation.

Team

Fátima Quintas, Maria João Fonseca, Mário João Palma, Martim Dinis, Vítor Moreira, Luís Silva Reis