Module Unit: Intro

Introduction and learning objectives

Welcome to the Seniors4Change Training Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to empower seniors to become champions of climate awareness and digital literacy. In a rapidly changing world, the wisdom and experiences of our senior population are invaluable. This handbook is crafted to help seniors harness their knowledge, improve their digital skills, and actively participate in the global conversation on climate change through modern communication platforms.

Objectives of the Handbook:

  1. Understanding Climate Change and the Power of Reusing: We live in a time where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, impacting our daily lives and future generations. This handbook will help seniors and their potential audiences understand the critical importance of climate change and how small, sustainable actions—such as reusing and repurposing everyday items—can contribute to a healthier planet.
  2. Enhancing Digital Skills in Videography: With the rise of digital media, storytelling through video has become a powerful tool for communication and education. This handbook will guide seniors through the basics of videography, including filming, editing, and publishing videos. Whether sharing personal stories, educational content, or advocacy messages, seniors will gain the confidence and technical skills to create compelling video content.
  3. Leveraging Social Media for Communication: Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook are not just for the younger generation—they are valuable tools for seniors to connect, share, and influence. This handbook will encourage seniors to embrace these platforms, teaching them how to effectively use social media to share their life-long experiences and insights with a broader audience.
  4. Spreading Knowledge Through Video Content: Videos are an engaging way to spread knowledge and connect with others. This handbook will provide step-by-step guidance on creating and uploading videos to various platforms, ensuring that seniors can share their wisdom, hobbies, and advice with the world in an accessible and impactful format.
  5. Promoting DIYs as a Tool to Combat Climate Change: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects are more than just a hobby—they are a practical way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Through this handbook, seniors will learn how to create and share DIY projects that encourage reusing materials and reducing environmental impact, furthering the fight against climate change.

By the end of this training, seniors will not only be equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to climate change awareness but also with the digital skills to share their voices widely. Together, we can harness the power of experience and technology to make a lasting difference.

Introduction and learning objectives

Welcome to Module 5 of the Seniors4Change training program! In this module, we will explore the exciting journey of transforming a DIY hobby into a small-scale business that prioritises sustainability and environmental responsibility. Along the way, we will explore entrepreneurship ins and outs, the reasons and benefits of turning what you love into something that can bring you money; we will explore the steps to get there and showcase some successful DIY entrepreneurial ideas. Excited? Let’s begin!

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to rediscover passions and explore new personal and financial growth avenues. As we explore the entrepreneurial world, we will uncover how these ventures can provide personal fulfillment, supplementary income, and a positive environmental impact.

Our goal is to help you create a manageable, fulfilling business venture that enhances your well-being and contributes positively to the environment. We also understand that after a lifetime of work and building a career, you might not be looking to dive into a demanding corporate venture, right? That’s why we focus on small-scale businesses that align with your retirement lifestyle. A venture that can provide a sense of purpose, social connection, and even a little extra income – all while allowing you to set your own pace and priorities.

At the heart of this module lies a fundamental question: How can you turn your DIY hobbies into small-scale, eco-friendly businesses that are enjoyable and not overly demanding? Well, it is a simple question, but the answer could be very demanding! Let’s start with some statistics and research data! According to Age UK, 42% of individuals aged 65 and over participate in volunteering activities, which highlights the desire for continued engagement and contribution during retirement. Another study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) found that seniors who engage in entrepreneurial activities report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being compared to those who do not. These findings suggest that starting a business based on your hobby can offer a unique blend of mental stimulation, creativity, and social interaction, all contributing to a happier and healthier retirement.

In this module, we’ll guide you through the process of turning your hobby into a sustainable business. We’ll cover everything from identifying your niche and crafting a business plan to marketing your products or services and managing the financial aspects. We’ll also emphasise the importance of sustainability, showing you how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business model.

The following learning objectives are addressed in this module:

  • Identify the skills and resources needed to turn your hobby into a small-scale business.
  • Assess the market potential for your DIY products or services using the Business Model Canvas.
  • Develop a basic business plan tailored to retirement lifestyle and financial goals using the Business Model Canvas.
  • Incorporate sustainable practices into the activities of a small business based on hobby or DIY practice.

Before we start, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of this endeavour. Starting a small-scale business in retirement can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, allowing you to apply your lifelong skills and passions in new and meaningful ways, ways that are not stressful and too demanding without overwhelming your schedule and allowing plenty of time for relaxation and other personal activities.

On the other hand, we have sustainability. Everyone is talking about it nowadays. If you haven’t done so, be sure to explore Module 1 – Embracing DIYs for Climate Action, where we explain in detail what sustainability is, its core principles, and why it will be so important in our future as humankind developing in harmony with our environment. 

So, whether you’re an avid gardener, a skilled woodworker, a talented artist, or a passionate cook, your hobby has the potential to become something more. Let’s discover how you can turn this passion into a thriving and sustainable business that enriches your days after retirement.

Introduction and learning objectives

Welcome to Module 3 of the Seniors4Change training program!

Throughout this unit, we’ll be learning more about the principles of videography using your smartphone. This will enable everyone to create videos showcasing their sustainable DIY hobbies to as many people as possible. This unit will be an opportunity to learn all the stages involved in making a meaningful video, from thinking about the best way to represent a subject in a film to the final editing of your video.

Sharing your knowledge and skills in a visual and entertaining way is an excellent way of involving a large number of people with varied profiles and enabling them to discover a theme or DIY practice by example by following the entire creation process, from the obstacles to overcome to the rewarding final product. 

We’ll also focus on the preparatory stages, which should be carried out before you even start filming. This will give you time to think about the importance of your DIY practice and how best to show the benefits you want to share with others. It will also enable you to film efficiently, with the whole structure of your video already in mind, as well as its final objective.

The following learning objectives are addressed in this module:

  • Discover the storyboarding method to prepare yourself for making a video by thinking about your objectives and carefully planning the best way to share your sustainable DIY best practices.
  • Learn more about the tools that can help you make a video that can be used alongside a smartphone. 
  • Learn the principles of photography and videography on a smartphone by acquiring basic knowledge of how to use the Camera application on your smartphone.
  • Acquire a set of best practices and advice to follow throughout the making of your video.

Thanks to all this, and by understanding the power of images and setting an example in the practice of more sustainable and greener DIY, you’ll be able to play an even more active part in the fight against climate change!

Introduction and learning objectives

In Module 4 of the Seniors4Change e-learning programme, we will help you confidently connect with other DIY enthusiasts who share your interests through various social media platforms and showcase your projects, enhancing both your digital skills and social engagement! 

By equipping you with the expertise to share your projects through social media, you will be able to connect with a wider community and enhance your technical skills. Social media can serve as a powerful tool for seniors to stay connected with family, friends, and like-minded people, helping combat isolation and promoting a sense of community and achievement.

The following learning objectives will be addressed in this Module: 

  • Learn about the different ways to connect with others via different social media platforms; 
  • How to make your content engaging through the right keywords and hashtags;
  • How to identify and join groups on different social media platforms with people who share your common interests.

In this Module, you will also be able to find inspiration through suggested groups and content creators who are connecting with people on different online platforms and sharing their own DIYs. 

No matter what your skill or interest is, from knitting, gardening, or potting, to furniture or appliance restoration, there are many others out there who certainly share your passion!

Additionally, by creating and communicating your own content, you will have the possibility to inspire others who have perhaps not yet considered just how significant the power of DIYs can be in the promotion of a more sustainable society for all generations.

By the end of the Module, you will better understand where and how you can connect with others and play your own part in the promotion of reducing, reusing and recycling techniques across the online world. Ready? Let’s go!

Introduction and learning objectives

In Unit 2, you will explore the basis of social media and the benefits you can draw from it. Firstly, we aim to understand the basic principles and functionalities of major social media platforms as well as their importance for senior people. This includes a brief overview of popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. You will learn how each platform operates, focusing on their primary features, user interface, and unique characteristics. 

Secondly, you will learn how to create and manage your social media profiles effectively. From setting up your profile to understanding key features and creating engaging and interesting posts, this Unit will help you create a strong online presence, connect with other people, and make the most out of social media.

Furthermore, this Unit presents basic privacy settings that most social media platforms provide. While having social media profiles provides you with many advantages, you should always be aware of the potential risks that it entails. Thus, some tips that will help you stay safe while being online are also mentioned. 

Taking all the above into consideration, by the end of this Unit, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate social media effectively, create impactful content, and engage meaningfully with various audiences. 

Introduction and learning objectives

Welcome to Unit 1 of the Seniors4Change training program! In this unit, we will explore the transformative power of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. As we delve into the world of DIYs, we will uncover their significance in fostering creativity, promoting socialisation, enhancing affordability, and, most importantly, contributing to environmental sustainability.


At the heart of this unit lies a fundamental question: How can seniors play a pivotal role in combating climate change through DIY initiatives? Historically, seniors have been revered as repositories of wisdom, experience, and resourcefulness. Now, more than ever, their invaluable contributions are needed to tackle climate change’s complex and far-reaching impacts. By harnessing the collective power of seniors’ knowledge and skills, we aim to empower them to become change agents in building a more sustainable future for future generations.

The following learning objectives are addressed in this module:

  • Define DIYs and their relevance in addressing climate change.
  • Acquire practical skills for planning and executing sustainable DIY projects.
  • Analyse case studies illustrating the impact of DIY projects on climate change mitigation.
  • Reflect on personal interests, skills, and resources to identify potential DIY projects related to climate change.

Before we embark on our exploration, let us take a moment to reflect on the gravity of the challenge we face. Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, endangering ecosystems, livelihoods, and the well-being of billions of people worldwide. The signs of climate change are all around us, from rising temperatures and extreme weather events to dwindling natural resources and biodiversity loss. However, amidst the daunting challenges lie opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and collective action.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we mobilise all segments of society to address climate change comprehensively. With their wealth of knowledge and life experiences, seniors have a crucial role in this endeavour. By embracing DIY projects to foster sustainability, seniors can contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change while leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

So, what exactly are DIY projects, and how do they relate to climate change? DIYs encompass diverse activities that involve creating, repairing, or repurposing items using one’s skills and resources. From gardening and crafting to home repair and upcycling, DIY projects offer countless opportunities for individuals to express their creativity, connect with others, and reduce their environmental footprint. By engaging in DIY activities, seniors can enhance their quality of life and make meaningful contributions to environmental conservation.

Throughout this unit, we will explore the multifaceted benefits of DIY projects for seniors and their potential to address climate change. We will examine case studies and success stories of seniors who have embraced DIY initiatives to create positive change in their communities. Additionally, we will provide practical tips, resources, and hands-on activities to empower seniors to initiate and sustain their DIY projects for environmental sustainability.

As we embark on this journey together, let us approach it with an open mind, a spirit of curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference. By harnessing the power of DIYs, we can empower seniors to become sustainability champions, driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient world for current and future generations.