Connect with your roots and nature!

Loreta, a 78-year-old grandmother, hasn’t set foot in a wild patch of nature in decades. Her days revolve around doctor’s appointments, TV reruns, and the occasional visit from her grandchildren. Not a nice picture to imagine, right? But one late afternoon, her granddaughter drags her to a local nature reserve for some birdwatching – they learned at school that now it’s a good time to spot some birds looking for insects. Loreta hesitates—her knees ache, and she’s never used binoculars. Yet, as she listens to the chorus of warblers and watches a kingfisher dart across the water, something shifts. Her granddaughter giggles as Loreta fumbles with the binoculars, but soon, they’re both laughing, pointing, and sharing stories about the birds they remember from their childhoods. By sunset, Loreta isn’t just reconnecting with nature—she’s rediscovering joy. 

This is the magic the ROOTED Erasmus Project aims to create. 

Why Seniors (and Society) Need Nature 

We’ve all heard the stats: time in nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and even lowers blood pressure. But for older adults—especially those in care homes or isolated urban environments—access to green spaces isn’t just a luxury. It’s a lifeline. 

Urban environments, while offering convenience and access to services, present unique challenges for older adults. Studies show that aging in cities is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to noise, pollution, and overcrowding (WHO, 2018). The lack of green spaces in urban areas exacerbates feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are significant risk factors for cognitive decline (Beyer et al., 2014). 

Air pollution in cities is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which disproportionately affect older adults (Brook et al., 2010). Limited access to safe outdoor spaces reduces opportunities for physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and mobility issues (Sallis et al., 2016). Urban living can also lead to social fragmentation, with older adults often feeling disconnected from their communities (Forsyth et al., 2009). High-rise living and a lack of communal spaces hinder social interactions, further contributing to loneliness (Klinenberg, 2018). 

The Healing Power of Nature 

Natural environments have been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for older adults. Exposure to nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies indicate that even short periods in green spaces can lower cortisol levels and improve mood (Bratman et al., 2015). Nature-based activities, such as gardening or walking, are linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia (de Keijzer et al., 2016). 

Green spaces encourage physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of chronic diseases (Mitchell & Popham, 2008). Cleaner air in natural settings supports respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly beneficial for older adults (James et al., 2015). Nature also fosters social interactions, whether through community gardening, group walks, or outdoor events. These activities reduce loneliness and build a sense of belonging (Maas et al., 2009). Intergenerational activities in natural settings, such as storytelling or conservation projects, strengthen bonds between older adults and younger generations (Kaplan, 1995). 

The ROOTED Recipe: Stories, Tech, and Activities in Nature 

How do you reignite a love for nature in someone who hasn’t heard the call of the wild in years? ROOTED’s approach is as diverse as the ecosystems it protects. Here’s what we intend to do: 

1. ”Back in My Day…” Podcasts and Blog A 70-year-old from Malta shares childhood stories of large flocks of birds migrating through, while a Spanish biologist explains how climate change has altered migration patterns. These intergenerational podcasts aren’t just nostalgia—they’re living history lessons. Seniors become storytellers, and their memories turn into tools for environmental education. It will allow listeners to see the changes and draw their own conclusions. 

2. The Element of Digital Learning Who says seniors can’t geek out over tech? We aim to prove you wrong. By installing large digital panels with accessible fonts and sound for the elderly, they will learn more about both technology and their surroundings. Through web cameras, they will also get closer to nature by monitoring special bird-watching spots in nature reserves online. 

3. Materials for the Future Not everyone can hike Everest—and that’s okay. But if you can choose a route that suits you, you can do it! That’s why one of our goals is to develop a book of nature trails and what you can find there, tailored to all fitness levels. The ROOTED team is also creating manuals for care homes and local councils on how to benefit from small green spaces. Even a windowsill herb garden can spark conversations about seasons, growth, and sustainability. 

4. Events and Hands-On Activities in Nature All partners are creating unique events in their respective countries for elderly people to enjoy nature and learn something new through hands-on activities. 

About the Teamwork 

ROOTED isn’t a solo mission. It’s a collaboration. BirdLife Malta, the largest environmental NGO in Malta, brings extensive experience in bird protection and environmental education. Together with other experienced BirdLife partners like OTOP (Poland), SEO (Spain), and HOS (Greece), they form a strong environmentally oriented team. Europsky Dialog (Slovakia) contributes expertise in media platforms and engaging society, particularly youth. Together, we recognized the need to create a platform that would not only reconnect older generations with nature but also foster intergenerational dialogue and learning. 

What’s Next? 

The project runs from January 2025 to December 2026. This EU-funded initiative isn’t just about planting trees or birdwatching. It’s about planting connections—between generations, between people and the planet, and between seniors and the spark of curiosity they thought they’d lost. 

We’re planning to do a lot of exciting things. Stay tuned to this blog platform, listen to our upcoming podcasts, and watch our videos and presentations. We’ll make it fun, educational, and inspiring. 

Step Outside. Breathe. Remember. 

Nature doesn’t care how old you are. A sunset still blazes gold whether you’re 9 or 90. A ladybird landing on a wrinkled hand sparks the same delight as one landing on a child’s fingertip. 

ROOTED is a reminder that we’re never too old to wonder, never too young to learn, and never too isolated to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the joy of discovery. 

So, grab your walking stick, your smartphone, or your grandkid. Adventure awaits. 

Stay curious. Stay ROOTED. 

References • Beyer, K. M. M., et al. (2014). "Exposure to Neighborhood Green Space and Mental Health: Evidence from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. • Bratman, G. N., et al. (2015). "Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective." Science Advances. • de Keijzer, C., et al. (2016). "Green Spaces and Cognitive Development in Primary Schoolchildren." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. • Mitchell, R., & Popham, F. (2008). "Effect of Exposure to Natural Environment on Health Inequalities: An Observational Population Study." The Lancet. • World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). "Urban Green Spaces and Health."