As part of the project "Age Against the Machine – Strariji protiv mašinerije," four podcasts with eight participants were recorded during the summer months. These podcasts aim to raise public awareness about how ageist attitudes negatively affect individuals, families, and society, and emphasize the importance of developing a society for all generations. Responding to an invitation from the "Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture" Foundation, Natasa Todorovic, a professional associate from the Red Cross of Serbia, participated in one of the podcasts.

Given that the World Health Organization’s report reveals that one in two people globally holds a negative attitude towards older adults, and that this trend is more pronounced in lower- and middle-income countries, where almost half of the world's population lives, such projects are more than necessary. Another alarming fact, according to the report, which includes a systematic review of academic research, is that age discrimination can manifest itself through laws and policies that allow for the exclusion of older adults, as well as through social norms and perceptions. This is why it is essential to work on reducing stereotypes and prejudices, as the fight against ageism can occur on different levels. This is exactly what we are attempting with this project, where examples of ageism that older people face daily in families, public spaces, and institutions have been gathered, and a scenario based on these examples has been developed.

After the summer break, on September 1, 2024, a new rehearsal was organized at the Cultural Center of Novi Sad. The novelty in this rehearsal was the introduction of verses and choral singing by the participants. It has been shown that raising public awareness and fighting against ageism can also be pursued through various forms of creative expression. This will allow, in the play being prepared for the upcoming Festival, the highlighting of certain situations and drawing people's attention to the problems faced by older adults, victims of ageist attitudes, in different and creative ways. Art is indeed a powerful tool for breaking stereotypes and prejudices.

This project is part of the European Commission's CERV – Network of Cities program, with partners from Denmark, Portugal, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands. The Red Cross of Serbia is responsible for the expert component, with Natasa Todorovic and dr. Milutin Vracevic tasked with introducing the topic of "ageism" and collecting quantitative data on ageism in all the countries. The project is led by the "Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture" Foundation, and the project coordinators and co-authors are Branka Bajic Jovanov and Lazar Jovanov.