About Us

About the consortium

The SMART AGE consortium unites three experienced adult education centers from across Central Europe. Bildungshaus Retzhof from Austria leads the partnership, joined by Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec from Croatia and Ljudska univerza Ormož from Slovenia. Together, these educational providers bring decades of expertise in lifelong learning, community outreach, and digital skills training for older adults.

By combining regional knowledge and shared educational values, the consortium ensures that senior learners across borders gain the digital resilience required to navigate the modern online landscape with complete confidence.

Bildungshaus Retzhof

The Bildungshaus Retzhof is a center for adult education in Southern Styria in Austria, which exists since 1948 as a major hub for adult education in the region. It sees itself as a place of encounter and learning with the motto “transforming through learning” and offers a wide range of events, workshops on topics such as democratic education, art & culture, health & lifestyle, and international educational cooperation. The team of the education department regularly organizes also courses for schools and special offers for seniors, especially in the field of media literacy. The education center is well-known for organizations from all of Austria and beyond to organize seminars, courses and company events as the education center is equipped with several seminar rooms.

Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec

Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec (POUC) is a non-profit adult education institution located in Međimurje County, Croatia. Founded in 1960, it is recognized as the first lifelong learning centre in the region and has established a long-standing tradition of educational excellence. The institution operates as a dedicated space for lifelong learning, placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity and the support of disadvantaged groups. POUC provides a wide variety of over 100 formal and non-formal educational programs designed to meet the specific needs of adult learners and the broader labour market. Its diverse offerings range from vocational training and foreign language learning to digital literacy courses and creative workshops. By equipping participants with essential knowledge, skills, and competencies, the programmes are thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful personal and professional development while promoting active social inclusion.

Ljudska univerza Ormož

Ljudska univerza Ormož is a public institution specializing in adult education and youth activities. With more than 60 years of tradition, it has developed into a place where knowledge, experience, ideas, and people come together. We provide professional training, a wide range of courses, and programs tailored to the needs of individuals and companies. Our programs are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills that support both personal and professional development.

About the project

SMART AGE operates as an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in the field of adult education to address a growing demand for senior media literacy. The rapid expansion of digital technologies leaves many older adults vulnerable to online misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and fraud. The project aims to familiarize people aged 60 and over with digital learning opportunities and to improve their media literacy. SMART AGE develops targeted learning materials – including a micro-credential curriculum and a multilingual MOOC – created specifically for elderly learners to confront this challenge directly. At the same time, public relations work and collaborations with educational and community institutions aim to raise awareness of the importance of media literacy for older people. The project is aimed in particular at older people in rural areas.

This educational framework helps participants critically evaluate online content, identify AI-generated media, and safely interact with modern platforms. SMART AGE also compiles a best practices compendium for adult educators. This resource provides concrete methodologies and case studies to effectively teach media literacy in local communities.

SMART AGE empowers older adults aged 60 and above to actively and securely participate in digital spaces. Consortium partners pay special attention to individuals living in rural or geographically remote areas who face higher risks of digital exclusion. The project connects directly with local libraries, community centers, and adult education networks over a two-year implementation period to distribute these materials. SMART AGE will engage over 25,000 stakeholders across Europe through transnational meetings, multiplier events, and widespread awareness campaigns to establish a lasting foundation for senior digital inclusion.