Coloured Wisdom in BrusselsBrussels is a city with a relatively young population, yet it is also home to around 165,000 older adults. The older population of Brussels forms a particularly diverse community, with differences in socioeconomic background, nationality, origin, educational level, sexual orientation, and more. Compared to the rest of Belgium, this group stands out for its remarkable cultural diversity, but also for its relatively high risk of poverty. Almost one in three older people experiences health problems, and many of them experience obstacles in accessing care and welfare services.
At the same time, this diversity brings a rich wealth of cultures, religions, and life experiences. Many older people are active in associations, volunteer their time, and play a connecting role within their families, neighbourhoods, or communities.
Through the Coloured Wisdom project, we aim to showcase these different life experiences in a positive way: the wisdom of older people is central, and every individual is unique. Moreover, we believe it is essential that all older adults are treated with respect, and that also ‘harder-to-reach’ groups have the opportunity to participate fully and feel heard.
Brussels organisations joining forces
The Coloured Wisdom project began five years ago. It is a collaboration between around ten organisations that share a common interest in the well-being of older people.
Coloured Wisdom organises activities that lower barriers and promote connection and participation. Over the past five years, we have run a wide variety of events. Due to our accessible approach, we have reached a very diverse group of elderly people. Some examples of activities:
- A day on the theme of loneliness, where visitors could learn what loneliness means and get to know various services that help to combat it.
- An evening about fasting in different religions, followed by a delicious shared meal.
- Focus groups where older people could share their views on topics that matter to them, such as policy participation, the public image of older adults, and accessibility for seniors in Brussels.
We also develop and distribute tools such as films, publications, and brochures to promote positive representations of older people, amplify their voices, and reduce barriers to services.
Lessons learned after five years of Coloured Wisdom
In October 2025, we celebrated five years of Coloured Wisdom. During a study day, we shared lessons and tips with professionals on our inclusive and participatory approach.
Some key takeaways:
Collaborate to reach a wide audience
Through collaboration with different organisations, people meet who would not normally cross paths, resulting in a richly diverse group of participants.
Diversity as enrichment
Organise activities where diversity is recognised and celebrated as an asset. For example, events on migration, or different perspectives on care.
Seek connection
Choose activities that everyone can relate to. Shared meals connect, dancing connects, and common experiences build bridges.
Be flexible with language
Language is important and is often a barrier for people with a migration background. It should not be an obstacle, but a source of strength.
Participation as the key to inclusion
Involve the target group: they know best what matters to older people, what they need, and what interests them. With Coloured Wisdom, we work with a group of Brussels seniors who think along, co-create, and help shape the direction of the project. One of the initiatives we undertook with this group was the creation of a brochure (in English, Dutch and French) offering tips for community centres on how to work more inclusively.
Want to know more?
All information has been compiled in the publication The Power of Older Adults: Inspiration from Coloured Wisdom for Greater Inclusion and Participation (in Dutch).
By: Cynthia van Thiel
