The program involves the prevention and treatment of psychosocial problems associated with retirement. The program has a holistic, non-pharmaceutical approach and entails various elements that have a positive effect on the physical, mental and psychological wellbeing of senior retired citizens of Serres.
The program includes various original features such as the combination of psychological support, recreation, and the promotion of volunteerism for retired seniors. In this way, the program offers a practical solution to the non-active professional life that follows retirement. The program’s sustainability is also based on volunteerism; the beneficiaries will act as ambassadors and will offer some of the Program’s services during subsequent years of the program’s operation.
The program was created in response to several requests made to the Association of Families and Friends for the Mental Health of Serres by recently retired seniors. Seniors were requesting psychological support in order to cope with the transition from an active life to retirement. It should be noted that this is one of the few initiatives in Greece offering support specifically for retirement. The beneficiaries will be approximately 100 retired elders.
