Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 55 and over in Milton Keynes

Authors:
MINOCHA Shailey, et al
Publisher:
Open University
Publication year:
2015
Pagination:
114
Place of publication:
Milton Keynes

Explores the determinants of social isolation and loneliness among older people in Milton Keynes, and recommends possible strategies and solutions to prevent and mitigate isolation. The research involved a review of academic and policy literature on social isolation and loneliness, and an information gathering exercise that included expert workshops, individual and group interviews, and site visits. Generally recognised risk factors that affect Milton Keynes residents include: low income, low literacy, poor health and disability, losses and bereavement, family, social and neighbourhood change, unemployment or redundancy, and aspects of the built environment and infrastructure. Specific additional challenges for Milton Keynes include: rapidly ageing population (from a low base); the pace of development of Milton Keynes and neighbourhood changes; structural elements including the design of and balance between the city centre, housing estates, and satellite villages; community diversity from deprived to affluent areas; a diverse and growing population of older people from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups; and the crucial on-going transport issues. Some effective services have been identified that cater to different kinds of needs, including one-to-one services, group services, and wider social activities, which require continuity of provision and integrated action across different levels within the community, and effective evaluation. The report recommends that Milton Keynes Council should consider: the appointment of a named champion at committee level for the promotion of social inclusion across the board; initiating an annual review of social exclusion; adopting a partnership approach to ensure an integrated response to isolation across the borough; securing access to a baseline financial resource for social inclusion projects at a sufficient annual level to ensure services; and an evaluation process to monitor the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of services for the purpose of future planning. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
older people, social isolation, loneliness, risk, physical illness, bereavement, low income, unemployment, environmental factors, black and minority ethnic people, poverty;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
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