Seniors4Change Focus Groups – France

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 Greek Focus Groups helped us connect with seniors and understand their needs and reality!

In the French context, the Seniors4Change project is emerging at a time when several factors are converging, including an ageing population, the growing challenges posed by climate change, and a changing media landscape dominated by social networks. France, like many European countries, is facing a demographic trend marked by an ageing population. According to Insee data, senior citizens aged 60 and over already represent a significant proportion of the French population, at around 25% in 2020, and this proportion is set to continue rising over the coming decades. This demographic trend underlines the growing importance of the role of senior citizens in society, including in the formulation of responses to contemporary challenges such as climate change.

In France, focus group discussions showed that sustainable practices are deeply integrated into the lives of seniors, from innovative food waste utilisation in the kitchen to promoting recycling and repair initiatives. They emphasised the importance of instilling sustainable behaviours in younger generations, suggesting the reintroduction of community roles like street repairmen and advocating for organisations like “Envie” that repair and resell items. Additionally, incorporating sewing and DIY courses into education was recommended. These discussions underline seniors’ significant role in pushing for sustainability through DIY practices, balancing economic and ecological interests.

Moreover, seniors exhibited varied engagement with social media, with a notable portion using platforms like Facebook and YouTube daily or weekly, primarily for social connections and learning. Despite regular internet use, a significant minority expressed distrust in social media, doubting its efficacy in educating about climate change. Some viewed social media as a potent tool for spreading information and mobilising action on climate issues, highlighting its potential as an educational resource if navigated wisely. Yet, others criticised its environmental impact, arguing it exacerbates climate change rather than combats it. This divergence underscores the complexity of leveraging social media among seniors for climate action, suggesting a need for nuanced approaches that consider both its informative potential and the critical perspectives of its environmental footprint.

While some seniors in France use social media for learning and communication, there’s a notable disparity in digital literacy and trust in social media. Tailored digital literacy programs could help mitigate these challenges, encouraging seniors to contribute to and engage with climate action dialogues online. The Seniors4Change project aims to help seniors take a step forward in their engagement with social media, through DIY and sustainability-focused content.