Promoted by the Instituto Jovens Músicos (IJM) and supported by the Portugal Inovação Social program, ‘Gerações em palco’ will launch in September and continue until 2028. The goal is to engage 80 seniors, but project director Felisbela Marques believes this number can be doubled.
“With this project, we want seniors to shine and understand that age is not a barrier. There is still much to be done. It’s important to show them that loneliness is not the only option,” she explained.
This intergenerational initiative is the second by the IJM supported by the Portugal Inovação Social, following ‘Gerações em 2 pautas’ from 2021.
Through a therapeutic approach focused on emotion management, the project aims to combat social isolation among the senior population in the parishes of Caranguejeira—where the IJM is headquartered—as well as Arrabal, Santa Catarina da Serra, and Santa Eufémia, promoting emotional well-being and encouraging self-regulation, according to the institution.
Among other activities, ‘Gerações em palco’ includes the creation of a traveling repertoire performed by a drum orchestra composed of grandparents, in collaboration with children and young people.
According to the IJM, “this musical and scenic dynamic will promote intergenerational dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and traditions.”
Felisbela Marques adds that the intention is, through the drums, to “reinforce the muscle strength of our seniors,” many of whom have a background in agriculture but lack “continuous muscle mass development.”
“They lack strength and lose many skills,” she noted, adding that through the drums, “we want to help them develop some strength.”
The orchestra will start with traditional repertoire to motivate participants. Later, with the involvement of young IJM students, the training will explore other styles, “such as pop-rock, contemporary, or classical.”
“In other words, it’s about traveling a bit, but first, we need to gain confidence, and confidence undoubtedly comes through traditional music,” anticipates the director, who hopes to combine physical and artistic training with the social component of interaction between the older population and youth.
“It’s easy for an older person to go shopping and be with people, to have access to a range of services in a city. But here [in Caranguejeira] there are no outings, no transport, and seniors end up being somewhat isolated,” lamented Felisbela Marques, describing the rural context in which ‘Gerações em palco’ will be developed.
For this segment of the population, the only options are the services of social support institutions or “going to a café.”
“What are the options for someone over 65 to socialize here in Caranguejeira?” she inquires, recalling the motivation behind the project.
‘Gerações em Palco’ receives additional support from the Municipality of Leiria, the “la Caixa” Foundation, and local businesses.
