The “55+” initiative is a prime example of best practice in the fields of active aging and social inclusion. Its core concept is to create opportunities for people over the age of 55 to remain active and utilize the knowledge, skills, and experience they have acquired throughout their lives. Through the initiative’s online platform, they can offer services to the local community, while gaining a sense of purpose, usefulness, and engagement.

This approach is particularly significant as it shifts the prevailing perception of older adults: moving from viewing them primarily as individuals in need of support to seeing them as active community members capable of contributing. The services provided ranging from gardening and minor repairs to childcare and accompanying the elderly address genuine everyday needs. At the same time, participation in these activities fosters opportunities for meeting new people, building social connections, and developing new skills, thereby helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

The initiative’s effectiveness is also reflected in the available results. During the 2018–2024 period, more than 4,282 beneficiaries participated, with 88% reporting that they felt more useful and self-confident. Furthermore, the initiative has gained recognition at the European level and features a flexible implementation model that can be adapted to the needs of different regions. In this way, “55+” is not merely an initiative to support older adults, but an example of social innovation that harnesses their potential for the benefit of both the individuals themselves and the wider community.