Palestinian Territories
The City of Ramallah (Palestinian territories)
01-11-2018
November 1, 2018 and still ongoing practice
The "Active Aging Initiative" of Ramallah is a participatory community project launched on November 1, 2018, designed to address the social isolation and well-being of elderly residents in the city. The initiative aims to empower seniors by involving them in community-driven activities, fostering intergenerational connections, and enhancing their physical and mental well-being.
The primary objectives of the "Active Aging Initiative" are to combat social isolation, promote social inclusion, and enhance the well-being of elderly people in Ramallah. The initiative encourages seniors to take leadership roles in community activities, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging while strengthening social connections. It aims to improve physical and mental health through tailored activities like chair yoga and early morning walks.
Additionally, the initiative empowers seniors by providing them with opportunities to share their expertise, thus recognizing their valuable contributions to society. Furthermore, it fosters intergenerational interaction by facilitating knowledge exchange between older and younger generations, helping bridge generational gaps and building a more cohesive community.
The participants in the "Active Aging Initiative" are primarily elderly adults aged 60 and above, residing in Ramallah. The initiative targets this age group due to the significant social and health challenges they face, especially within the Palestinian context, where comprehensive social security systems are lacking. The initiative is open to both men and women, with a diverse mix of social backgrounds. While the program is designed to be inclusive, it especially aims to engage marginalized groups, such as those facing extreme social isolation or health challenges.
The initiative has seen participation from over 865 elderly residents since its inception, with a noticeable increase in engagement in 2024, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which led to the introduction of virtual activities. The participants are actively involved in shaping the program through regular feedback and needs assessments, ensuring that their voices are heard in every stage of the initiative.
This practice was submitted by the Municipality of Ramallah to the 18th OIDP Award in 2024.
Palestine's political landscape is shaped by its complex history and statelessness, but despite these challenges, there has been a growing interest in local democratic practices and citizen-driven initiatives. In urban centers like the capital Ramallah (more than 42 000 inhabitants as of 2021), local governance has evolved with a focus on participatory democracy and community-led projects. These initiatives aim to foster social cohesion, address public welfare, and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. Although formal political structures are heavily influenced by external factors, the local level is where citizens, especially within municipalities, are most engaged in shaping their environment through grassroots efforts. This has been particularly evident in the growing number of civic projects aimed at empowering vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and youth. Local projects like the "Active Aging Initiative" in Ramallah exemplify the potential of citizen-driven democratic practices to create sustainable, impactful changes despite difficult political circumstances.
The "Active Aging Initiative" is a transformative practice in Ramallah that empowers seniors to lead and engage in community-building activities aimed at promoting well-being and social inclusion. It began with the establishment of the Forum of Expertise, a community center that serves as the heart of the initiative. The first phase of the project, launched in 2018, involved conducting a needs assessment with community stakeholders, including the elderly themselves, to identify their specific needs and interests. Based on the findings, the Forum was established to provide a dedicated space for seniors to engage in various activities, from fitness programs to arts and crafts workshops, all tailored to their physical and social capabilities.
The program's methodology is grounded in participatory democracy, where the elderly themselves play a central role in decision-making processes. Seniors are not passive recipients of services but are actively involved in selecting and leading the activities that interest them most. This approach fosters a sense of ownership, dignity, and purpose among participants.
The Forum of Expertise offers four core programs: the Knowledge Exchange Platform (facilitating knowledge sharing between older adults and younger generations), the Volunteer Engagement (seniors have the opportunity to volunteer, thus enhancing their sense of belonging and purpose), the Capacity Development (targeted programs offered to equip seniors with new skills on technology, language, and creative arts) and the Well-being Programs (physical, mental, and social activities to promote overall health)
The program's unique nature lies in its emphasis on elderly-led initiatives, where seniors not only participate in but also organize and lead activities, drawing on their rich personal experiences and local knowledge. This strategy empowers the elderly and helps them feel valued within their community.
Throughout its development, the program has been consistently evaluated, with regular surveys and feedback mechanisms in place to ensure that the activities remain relevant and responsive to participants' needs. The ongoing impact of the initiative is substantial: over 80% of participants report improved physical and mental well-being, and 92% have forged new friendships, strengthening community bonds. Moreover, the initiative has helped increase volunteerism, with many seniors taking on active roles within the Forum and beyond.
The "Active Aging Initiative" also utilizes a multi-channel communication strategy to reach its target audience, including direct mail, social media, and word-of-mouth. These efforts have been particularly successful in reaching seniors who may otherwise be isolated or unaware of available services. The program adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by incorporating virtual activities through platforms like Zoom, ensuring that the elderly could still engage in meaningful ways despite physical distancing measures.
Overall, the "Active Aging Initiative" has had a transformative impact on Ramallah's elderly population, improving their well-being, reducing social isolation, and empowering them to contribute actively to their community. The initiative's success has prompted discussions about the broader need for social policies that address the needs of older adults, potentially influencing future public policy decisions. Moreover, the program's model of participatory democracy, which centers the voices of the elderly, could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other parts of Palestine and beyond, highlighting the importance of inclusive, community-driven approaches to elderly care.
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