Protection of physical and mental health is a top priority in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the recent challenges facing European citizens (eg economic uncertainty, pandemics, geopolitical tensions, climate crisis and anxiety) make this need more urgent than ever.
At the same time, aging of the population requires sustainable strategies to enhance healthy and active aging, as the UN's "Decade of Healthy Aging". In this context, the project Ikigai55+, co -financed by the Erasmus+ Sport program (No. 101134420), promotes the physical activity and well -being of citizens over 55 years through the utilization of smartwatches and smartphones. Inspired by the Japanese concept Ikigai ("meaningful life"), the work aims to show how the digital age can enrich the lives of the elderly with activity, health and joy.
The consortium includes partners from seven countries: University of Thessaly (Greece), Diputacion de Zamora (Spain), Università delle liberetà del FVG (Italy), Trebag Ltd (Hungary), Tabela Espontanea (Portugal), Inquirium Ltd (Cyprus), Eskilara S. Koop. TXIKIA (Spain) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium).
In the context of this European cooperation, Inquirium Ltd undertook the organization of a series of actions in Cyprus, with the aim of strengthening the elderly to adopt healthier, active and digitally conscious life habits.
In May 2025, two Community events took place. The first took place at Youth Makerspace, Larnaca, on May 10, gathering about thirty participants, including people over 55, trainers, nutritionists and researchers, in a day dedicated to nutrition, exercise and well -being. This event was held in collaboration with Center of Social Innovation (CSI) with a supporter at UCLAN Cyprus University.
Mrs. Hara Ioannou, a clinical dietician, highlighted the role of diet in regulation of type 2 diabetes, while Ms. Yiota Tsokkou, Clinical and Athletic Nutritionist, and a member of his UCLAN Cyprus teaching staff shared practical tips on a more balanced lifestyle. Aerobic exercise followed under the guidance of KAS. Sunday Antonios (a graduate of sports sciences and teaching staff at Uclan Cyprus), with an emphasis on integrating smart tools into daily gymnastics. The project team also presented the Ikigai55+ educational textbooks, showing coaches and trainers new 55+ adult motivation methods through digital technologies. In addition, Mr. Christodoulos Karittevlis, founder of Humeral Technologies, presented the possibilities of utilizing the technology developed by the company, in the context of elderly training. The day ended with panel discussion on wellness and mental balance.
In the same month, on May 29, Inquirium conveyed the spirit of Ikigai55+ to the Adult Center of Deryneia, where 28 participants over 70 years old participated in mild exercises tailored to their needs, such as sitting routines and stretching activities, and knew how to do so. The session culminated in an exploration of virtual reality applications for gymnastics, offering participants a new, enthusiastic experience.
At the same time, Inquirium worked with The Room Studio Pilates in Larnaca to conduct a five -week investigation, which explored the role of smart watches in motivating people over 55 years of age. Participants, under the guidance of Ms. Despina Papandreou-Loukas (a sports science graduate), attended two sessions a week, wearing "smartwatches) that recorded data on heart rate, calories and total progress. The results showed a significant increase in digital self -confidence, mobilization and daily satisfaction, as participants stated that these tools inspired them to remain active and enjoy the exercise.
Through these initiatives, over sixty people over 55 in Cyprus have already benefited from the Ikigai55+project. The initiative concerns not only the exercise, but also to remove the barriers between generations, the strengthening of digital literacy and the proof that aging can be active.
The lessons derived show an important message: When communities, professionals and technologies are united, then each person, regardless of age, can adopt a healthier lifestyle, with confidence and joy.
For more information on the project Ikigai55+:
Website: https://ikigai55.uth.gr/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557687834046instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iki.gai_55/
For more information on Inquirium Ltd:
Email: [Email Protected] Website: www.inquirium.eu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inquirium.eu/instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inquirium/
