Seniors4Change Focus Groups – Greece

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 February 2024, KMOP facilitated two focus groups in Greece, with a view to discuss directly with the target group and understand their reality and everyday life. These focus groups aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gathered through desk research and the practical insights gained from direct interaction with seniors, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of DIY sustainability practices within their everyday lives.

In Greece, participants shared a variety of eco-friendly habits that were integrated into their lives. These practices demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, from DIY cloth repair and composting to cooking with minimal waste and home gardening. The discussion also highlighted the importance of reviving traditional practices like using locally sourced ingredients and crafting skills such as knitting alongside efficient water management. Participants’ involvement in community initiatives, like beach cleaning and tree planting, indicated their active role in promoting environmental health. This emphasised the potential of traditional and community-driven practices in fostering a more sustainable future.

Additionally, discussions revealed a digital divide among seniors regarding social media, with many expressing resistance or lacking the tools to engage. Seniors saw value in using social media to spread environmental awareness, mobilising community actions, and influencing policy through collective pressure. They appreciated the platform for sharing practical sustainability tips like DIY projects and composting tutorials. However, concerns about misinformation and information overload challenge the full embrace of social media for climate action among Greek seniors, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to navigate these barriers effectively.

Focus group discussions in Greece also highlighted seniors’ desire to participate in meaningful, action-oriented dialogues on sustainability. Policies should provide platforms for such engagement, where seniors can voice their insights and act as catalysts for environmental stewardship – the Seniors4Change platform aims to provide a space for seniors to connect and engage with these subjects.