Seniors4Change Focus Groups – Bulgaria

One of the first steps of our project towards increasing senior engagement through social media and DIYs was to conduct focus groups with seniors in each of the participating countries, in order to truly understand seniors’ perspectives and experiences. A total of 14 focus group discussions were held, involving 91 participants. These discussions highlighted diverse DIY practices among seniors, including food preservation, gardening, crafting, and repair work. While some seniors showed strong engagement with social media, others expressed concerns or lacked access. Take a look at how our Bulgarian Focus Groups helped us connect with seniors and understand their needs and reality!

Bulgaria, like much of Europe, is experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, evident in increased frequency of severe weather events such as droughts, floods, and unexpected temperature shifts. These environmental challenges underscore the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable living practices. Moreover, the ageing population trend in Bulgaria, reflective of broader European demographics, is often overlooked in discussions on environmental activism. This oversight stems partly from generational differences in the adoption of new sustainability practices, with seniors frequently perceived as less engaged with environmental issues.

In Bulgaria, participating seniors shared diverse DIY practices in focus groups, emphasising gardening, recycling, crafting, and energy conservation. These practices, reflecting a harmony with nature, stem from a desire to protect the environment for future generations. Challenges like community engagement and resource access were noted. Traditional practices, such as food preservation and repairing goods, underscored the environmental benefits and personal satisfaction gained. Online platforms were highlighted as key resources for inspiration, showing a blend of modern and traditional approaches to sustainability.

Surprisingly, the Bulgarian focus groups also uncovered a solid level of social media engagement among seniors, with Facebook being a favourite platform. However, a key finding was the varying level of technical comfort among participants. Seniors showed a preference for practical environmental content, indicating a potential for social media as a tool for promoting sustainability. While there’s interest in sharing DIY practices and engaging in climate action, the need for clear guidance and support was evident. This reveals an opportunity to empower seniors with targeted training, fostering their engagement in environmental advocacy and intergenerational dialogue on sustainability.

Seniors in Bulgaria demonstrate a solid connection to traditional sustainability practices, suggesting a rich reservoir of skills that can be revived and modernised through projects like Seniors4Change!