BLOOMING MENTAL WELLBEING AND SOCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
BLOOM is a European project that brings together organisations from Portugal and Slovenia through the Erasmus+ Programme for Adult Education. Over 18 months, and with the support of the European Commission, BLOOM is dedicated to helping older adults thrive —mentally, emotionally, physically and socially.
At its heart, BLOOM believes in the power of movement, nature, and connection. The programme uses outdoor physical activities not only to strengthen the body, but to stimulate the mind, lift the spirit, and bring people together. By combining gentle exercise with fun cognitive challenges and shared experiences, BLOOM offers a simple, inclusive, and joyful way to support mental well-being and social inclusion in later life.
It’s about staying active, staying connected — and continuing to bloom at every age!
ABOUT THE PROJECT
BLOOM Project was developed to respond to the growing need for initiatives that support active ageing and mental well-being in later life. It focuses on the use of outdoor physical activities as a practical and enjoyable way to stimulate cognitive functions, reduce social isolation, and promote community participation.
Through cross-country collaboration between partners in Portugal and Slovenia, the project aims to build a transferable programme that empowers older adults to maintain mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and a sense of connection.
Key Objectives of BLOOM:
1. Exchange knowledge and good practices between partner organisations on how to promote mental well-being, neurocognitive stimulation, and social inclusion through outdoor activity.
2. Develop and test the BLOOM Programme, a practical framework that combines physical activity with cognitive training and group interaction.
3. Improve cognitive health — including memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving — through engaging, movement-based exercises.
4. Encourage regular physical activity to support mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
5. Foster social bonds by creating opportunities for intergenerational interaction and community involvement.
This structured yet adaptable approach allows organisations to support older adults in a holistic, sustainable, and accessible way.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
ANIMAM VIVENTEM
CASCAIS, PORTUGAL
PROJECT COORDINATOR
STEP INSTITUT
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
PROJECT PARTNER
FREGUESIA DA MISERICÓRDIA
LISBOA, PORTUGAL
ASSOCIATED LOCAL PARTNER
FREGUESIA DE CASCAIS E ESTORIL
CASCAIS, PORTUGAL
ASSOCIATED LOCAL PARTNER
WHY BLOOM?
The European Union is undergoing a profound demographic shift, with a rapidly aging population that calls for innovative and sustainable approaches to support older adults’ mental well-being, cognitive health, and social inclusion. According to the World Health Organization (2021), neglecting these areas can lead to rising healthcare costs, increased mental health disorders, and greater social isolation—issues that strain healthcare systems and diminish quality of life.
BLOOM addresses these challenges by offering a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates outdoor physical activity, neurocognitive stimulation, and social connection to enhance well-being and foster healthier, more inclusive communities.
Our Focus Areas
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Mental Well-being
Outdoor activities in natural settings have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood and overall mental health. Research published in Nature Scientific Reports (2019) highlights that time spent in nature significantly enhances emotional balance and mental clarity. BLOOM embraces these findings by designing activities that strengthen emotional resilience and reduce loneliness among older adults.
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Neurocognitive Stimulation
Studies, including those in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2016), demonstrate that physical activity improves memory, attention, and executive function. BLOOM’s activities combine cognitive exercises with creative tasks to keep the mind active, stimulating problem-solving, focus, and creativity.
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Social Inclusion
Social isolation affects nearly 30% of people aged 65+ in the EU (Eurofound data), leading to negative mental health outcomes. BLOOM creates inclusive opportunities for social engagement through group activities, reducing loneliness and fostering meaningful connections.
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Outdoor Physical Activity
Regular movement in nature strengthens mobility, cardiovascular health, and overall physical fitness. Outdoor exercise, paired with social and cognitive stimulation, has a transformative impact on both mental and physical well-being, as confirmed by numerous multi-component studies (e.g., The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, 2021).
A Broader Impact
BLOOM is not only a project for older adults, it is an investment in healthier, more connected societies. By preventing health issues and reducing social isolation, BLOOM alleviates pressure on healthcare systems while enhancing quality of life. It empowers educators and community leaders with new tools and skills, creating a sustainable model for active aging and lifelong learning.
OUR NUMBERS
59
SENIORS INVOLVED IN BLOOM LOCAL SESSIONS
20
SENIORS
INVOLVED IN BLOOM TRANSNATIONAL EXCHANGE
172
PERSONS INVOLVED IN BLOOM COMMUNITY EVENTS
33
ADULT EDUCATORS INVOLVED IN BLOOM WORKSHOPS
The BLOOM Initial Research phase was dedicated to exchanging knowledge, analyzing research findings, and gathering best practices on promoting mental well-being, neurocognitive stimulation, and social inclusion among older adults through outdoor physical activities. This preparatory work laid the foundation for BLOOM, ensuring the programme is grounded in proven methods and insights. The findings and conclusions from this research guided the creation of the BLOOM Programme.
Document available for download:
The BLOOM Educator Guidelines are a practical resource designed to help educators, facilitators, and community leaders implement the BLOOM approach in their local settings. This document provides step-by-step instructions, activity examples, and adaptable strategies that combine outdoor physical movement, cognitive exercises, and social inclusion. It is a complete toolkit to replicate and adapt the BLOOM Programme, ensuring its positive impact on older adults in diverse community contexts.
Document available for download:
The BLOOM Ambassadors Guidelines are designed to empower senior participants to actively promote well-being, mental sharpness, and social inclusion in their communities, even after the project ends. This kit includes 10 easy-to-implement activities that seniors can lead to advocate for positive change and inspire their peers. By fostering leadership among older adults, the Ambassadors initiative ensures the long-term sustainability of BLOOM’s impact.
Document available for download:
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
The BLOOM Programme is more than a series of outdoor activities—it’s a way to help people feel alive, connected, and empowered as they age. Built on the belief that nature, movement, and human connection are powerful tools for well-being, BLOOM combines gentle physical activity with cognitive stimulation and social interaction to support older adults in living vibrant, fulfilling lives.
Our Core Principles
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The Power of Nature and Movement
We believe that stepping outside, walking among trees, and breathing fresh air can transform your mood and energy. Every BLOOM session harnesses the natural benefits of movement and the outdoors to lift spirits and reduce stress.
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Accessible for Everyone
BLOOM is designed so that everyone can take part with confidence and dignity. Activities are flexible, adaptable, and mindful of different physical and cognitive abilities.
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Staying Mentally Active
Through playful and simple cognitive challenges, BLOOM keeps memory, attention, and problem-solving skills sharp—while having fun.
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The Value of Connection
Every session is a chance to laugh, share, and feel included. Social bonds are as essential for well-being as physical and mental exercise, and BLOOM creates a warm and welcoming space for all.
The Innovation Behind BLOOM
What makes BLOOM unique is its fusion of movement and brain activation. Each session is designed to engage both body and mind through activities that strengthen everyday cognitive skills—such as memory, attention, and reasoning—while boosting confidence, independence, and safety in daily life.
The programme focuses on seven key cognitive areas that play a vital role in maintaining autonomy and quality of life:
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Memory - Memory decline is a common issue in aging, impacting the ability to remember recent events, names, and appointments, which is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.
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Attention – Attention affects the ability to focus on tasks and avoid distractions, which is important for everyday activities such as cooking, driving, and managing medications.
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Processing Speed – Slower processing speed can make it difficult to keep up with conversations, follow instructions, or respond quickly to emergencies, affecting overall safety and social interactions.
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Executive Control – Executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving are essential for managing daily life, finances, and complex tasks, which are critical for maintaining autonomy.
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Orientation – Proper orientation in time and place is crucial for daily functioning, preventing disorientation and confusion that can lead to safety issues.
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Reasoning – Reasoning skills help in making informed decisions, understanding consequences, and solving problems, which are essential for independent living.
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Praxis – The ability to perform coordinated movements is important for physical tasks, daily self-care, and avoiding falls, which are a major concern for the elderly.
A Path to Well-being
The BLOOM Programme is a thoughtfully crafted method that promotes mental sharpness, social inclusion, and physical activity—three pillars of healthy aging. By combining movement with cognitive and social stimulation, BLOOM empowers older adults to stay confident, engaged, and connected to the world around them.
Download Our Resources
Explore our key documents to learn more about the foundation and vision of BLOOM, and discover how to implement the BLOOM Programme in your local community:
