The main objectives of the Cascais Ageing project were to develop a study, a strategic framework, and an action plan focused on ageing, old age, and social policies in the municipality of Cascais. The process involved broad participation from experts, practitioners, and citizens—even amid the challenging context of the pandemic. Grounded in action research and co-construction as core methodological approaches, the project was also informed by the principles of critical gerontology. It adopted concepts that reject the notion of ageing and old age as merely a burden to be carried by the "active" segment of society. Instead, the project emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity of ageing experiences and advocates for public policies that promote new paradigms—ones that integrate the challenges of sustainable local economic development while fostering inclusion and caring relationships.

This Project intended to enlarge knowledge and to build strategic action lines over frameworks, dynamics and governance tools that may promote and strengthen urban vitalization, creativity and the cities’ competitiveness. Methodology was based on conceptual development for cross-disciplinary analytical purposes; survey of empirical information and bibliographical sources; mapping of quantitative and qualitative empirical information; confronting and enriching ongoing research with urban agents.

Portrail of the concept of creative city in articulation with the ongoing debates over the role of cultural activities and creativity in urban revitalization and the fostering of cities’ competitiveness. Based upon this framework, we will make an in-depth diagnosis of the Cascais municipality regarding its potential in these areas. Our methodological approach was based on strategic planning, based on a participation-action rationale in order to mobilize the different actors and improve the establishment of partnerships with local agents.