REMIND has launched a new pilot programme in Central Greece, supported by a donation from the TIMA Charitable Foundation, aiming to strengthen community-based approaches to healthy and inclusive ageing.
Building on previous efforts to identify local needs, the initiative seeks to bring cognitive health awareness, prevention-oriented activities and opportunities for social participation closer to older people, families and carers, particularly in smaller towns and communities with limited access to specialised services.
The programme spans five regional units, with five local community hubs and six online groups. Its central principle is that effective interventions should begin by listening to people and understanding their needs, rather than simply delivering predetermined services.
The first interventions took place on 16 October 2026 in Kymi and on 21 October 2026 in Thiva, marking the transition from planning to action. The events combined informative presentations with interactive participation, demonstrating how community activities can engage people in practical ways.
One particularly lively moment came during a presentation on the importance of physical movement for brain health. The exercise instructor invited participants to stand up and perform simple exercises together, turning the audience from passive listeners into active participants. This activity brought the relationship between physical movement and cognitive well-being to life, illustrating how small, accessible actions can become part of everyday healthy ageing.
This participatory approach reflects REMIND’s wider philosophy: people should not merely receive information but be encouraged to engage, share experiences and take an active role in their own well-being.
Through its network of local hubs and online groups, the programme aims to strengthen social connections, support families and encourage communities to become more involved in promoting healthy ageing.
The pilot initiative also provides an opportunity to explore how community-based approaches can be adapted to different local settings, particularly where geographical distance limits access to services.
By connecting local needs with practical activities, REMIND hopes to contribute to a broader European discussion on equitable access, inclusive ageing and community participation.
The initiative represents a step towards building communities where older people can remain active, informed, connected and included.
