It’s time to AgeIn Ivano-Frankivsk! – New collaboration project supports displaced women and the ageing population in Ukraine

AgeIn® (Onnexi Ltd.), the Finnish social enterprise behind the AgeIn platform, is launching a new international collaboration project in Ivano-Frankivsk, Western Ukraine. The initiative brings together Finnish digital health expertise with strong local partners to address some of the most pressing social and economic challenges in the region.

Why this project, and why now?

Ukraine is facing a combination of demographic and war-related challenges. The country has a significant and growing population aged 60+, whose knowledge, experience and civic spirit represent an underutilised resource. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of women have been displaced by the war and are seeking new opportunities to rebuild their lives, find income and integrate into new communities.

On the business side, the situation is acute: according to recent reports, 68 % of industrial companies in Ukraine are struggling with recruitment. This labour shortage is not only a talent gap but a structural bottleneck that limits production, growth and the ability to attract new companies to the region.

Two community-based Guild models

The 12-month pilot project in Ivano-Frankivsk will develop and test two parallel “Guild” concepts based on the AgeIn methodology:

• Stream 1 – Guild for Female Experts 60+: A community model that harnesses the skills, experience and wisdom of women over 60. Participants can offer flexible services to local companies while gaining income, purpose, physical activity, social connection and improved well-being.

• Stream 2 – Guild for Displaced Women: A supportive pathway for women forced to rebuild their lives due to the war. The model focuses on skills development, mentoring, networking, female entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities that help women find their place in the local community and society.

Both streams are built on AgeIn’s proven approach that combines physical activity, mental well-being and strong community belonging — elements that have already delivered measurable health and social benefits in Finland (including reduced healthcare utilisation and improved life satisfaction).

Strong local partnership and official support

The project is being developed in close cooperation with two key local partners:

• Ivano-Frankivsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IF CCI)
• Public Association “Women’s Business Development and Support Agency”

These organisations will play central roles in outreach, business engagement, training and community building.

The initiative has already received official letters of support from the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council, Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council, Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Employment Center and Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration. This broad backing from both business organisations and public authorities creates an excellent foundation for successful implementation.

Next steps and vision

The project is currently in the preparation phase and is seeking funding, for example grants, to launch the 12-month pilot. The goal is not only to create impact in Ivano-Frankivsk but also to develop scalable models that can after pilot be replicated in other regions of Ukraine.

By connecting the experience of older women, the resilience of displaced women, and the needs of local businesses, the project aims to strengthen economic resilience, improve social inclusion and contribute to better health outcomes for participants.

Join us

We believe that every woman has unique potential — regardless of age or circumstances. By bringing together international expertise, local knowledge, businesses and public support, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit individuals, families and entire communities and creates improved health and wellbeing impacts according to WHO's Social Determination of Health (SDoH) framework.

Companies, organisations and funders interested in learning more or exploring participation are warmly invited to get in touch.

www.agein.io

ulla-maija.soininen@agein.io

AgeIn – Turning a lifetime of experience into the experience of a lifetime.