Second Start Armenia Radio Show (Armenia)

Description

The second place in 2024, went to Ofelya Kamavosyan from Armenia for her radio show "Second Start Armenia" (Երկրորդ շնչառություն). It was launched in 2022 as the first-ever media initiative in Armenia dedicated to the elderly. It was conceived through a collaboration between the NGO "Alzheimer’s Care Armenia" and Public Radio Armenia. The primary objectives of the project are to raise awareness about dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, inform the public about available services and regulations, and share uplifting success stories to instill optimism. Over 80 broadcast programs have featured individuals with dementia, caregivers, medical professionals, and international experts, alongside showcasing services and projects tailored for the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease. Another crucial aim of this media endeavour is to prevent dementia through education, emphasizing the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle within Armenian society.

Addressing stigma

Second Start Armenia sheds light on cases where individuals with dementia enhance their brain health through participation in initiatives such as Memory Café gatherings, sport classes, or Healthy Aging Clubs, spearheaded by the Ministry of Healthcare. The program features experts and psychologists who educate family members about the condition, offering insights into their loved one's situation. In Armenia, dementia is often stigmatized, leading many to avoid discussing it openly. Second Start Armenia aims to break this stigma by inviting psychologists to explain the neurological processes occurring in the brain and advise on appropriate responses from both family members and society.

Target audience

1. Individuals in the early stages of dementia, seeking support and understanding.
2. Caregivers and family members providing care and assistance to loved ones with dementia.
3. People aged 55 and above, pivotal for preventive measures and lifestyle interventions to mitigate dementia
risk.

Stakeholder involvement

Throughout our three-year journey, we've produced over 80 programs where the elderly shared their experiences living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sadly, two participants passed away this year. Caregivers and nurses have also shared their invaluable insights. Family members can reach out to the show via social media or phone to raise concerns and seek solutions, connecting with doctors and services for their loved ones. Moreover, individuals aged 55 and above share their experiences of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, inspired by the success stories showcased on the program.

Impact

The audio version airs on Public Radio Armenia FM 107.7, accessible to every village. It enjoys widespread popularity in the Armenian diaspora, particularly in the US, Russia, and Europe. Additionally, a video version is available as a podcast, shared on the radio's YouTube channel (with 11.3K subscribers) and Facebook page (with 55K likes and 94K followers). To engage more individuals aged 60 and above, Second Start Armenia launched its social media presence in February, sharing program highlights through shorts and reels to enhance visibility. This effort has resulted in over 9K subscribers on both YouTube and Facebook, nearly 2K on Instagram, and even a presence on TikTok. Furthermore, each program includes a text version featured in a dedicated column on the website www.armradio.am.