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Testing promising approaches to reducing loneliness: results and learnings of Age UK's loneliness Pilot
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 36
- Place of publication:
- London
This report shares the results of Age UK’s loneliness pilot programme, which aimed to find out Age UK services could better reach older people experiencing loneliness, develop individually tailored solutions and help older people access activities and services within their community. Chapter one outlines origins of the programme, which involved eight local Age UKs in a 12 month pilot. Local services developed three common approaches: recruiting ‘eyes on the ground’ to identify older people experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness; developing co-operative networks with other agencies; and use of traditional befriending services. Chapter two highlights examples of services that local Age UKs are delivering and how the adoption of certain approaches improved their impact on lonely older people. Chapter three look at some of the impacts of the programme. It found that a large number of the older people supported during the programme experienced a reduction in their loneliness scores. This was especially true amongst older people who were often lonely. Some older people also identified feelings of increased independence, wellbeing and connectedness with people. Chapter four outlines the next steps for the Age UK programme. (Edited publisher abstract)
Local authorities + older people + arts = a creative combination
- Author:
- CUTLER David
- Publisher:
- Baring Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 32
This report presents the case for local authority involvement in arts projects for older people. It sets out the benefits of participation in the arts for older people, it also argues that arts projects have additional benefits which can help local authorities deliver their own objectives at a time of increasing financial cuts. The report highlights five roles and interests of local authorities that makes them uniquely well suited to promote arts in the lives of older people. These are: improving the health and well being of older people, including reducing loneliness; arts and cultural services; integrating arts into older people's services and social care; social inclusion and community development; and leadership and coordination. Six case studies are included to illustrate the work that can be led or supported by local authorities. These include using arts to promoting mental and physical well being in St Helens; tackling loneliness in Fife; the provision of arts and social care services in Epping Forest; and leadership and coordination in Manchester. It also highlights relevant organisations and resources. (Edited publisher abstract)
From positive ageing to positive living; a changing perspective from the Beth Johnson Foundation
- Author:
- WEALLEANS Lynne Marie
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 19(4), 2015, pp.165-169.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the learning from the positive ageing and positive living projects of the Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) and to contribute to the discourse around ageing and older people. Design/methodology/approach: The content for this case study was drawn from evidence gathering activities with different generations of older people, with key stakeholders, commissioners and policy makers. This was supported by extensive desk top analysis of information and research on the subjects of positive and active ageing. Findings: This case study examines the key elements of positive ageing within a life course context and explores the language and culture around ageing. It makes some recommendations, based on practice, that support a change in the dialogue around ageing from positive ageing to positive living. Practical implications: This approach is of interest to all citizens, to those who work with older people, to commissioners and to decision makers. It promotes a multi-generational approach to the co-design of services. It supports prevention, health promotion and appropriate interventions which are not based on age. It also, therefore, promotes ageing as a “natural” part of the life course, challenges negative stereotypes around ageing and ensures accessible, inclusive and quality services. Social implications: The content and conclusions of the case study challenge some of the traditional thinking and approaches around ageing and recommend a more inclusive approach to service design and delivery. The case study also addresses some of the issues around the language used and the culture around ageing which will contribute to a more forward thinking approach. Originality/value: This is an original case study based on the work of the BJF over a ten year period as it developed its’ Positive Ageing and Positive Living programmes. BJF has been at the forefront of the positive ageing movement by developing mid-life programmes of work and is acknowledged as an expert organisation in the field of intergenerational (and now multi-generational) practice and age friendly communities. (Publisher abstract)
Tackling loneliness in older age: the role of the arts
- Author:
- CUTLER David
- Publisher:
- Baring Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 40
- Place of publication:
- London
This report looks at the scale and impact of loneliness among older people and argues that the arts are a powerful tool to tackle the problem. It suggests that older people need a broad range of opportunities and activities to help them maintain healthy social relationships. These can include care and befriending support, but just as important are opportunities that connect them to their communities, such as faith, learning, fitness, leisure and cultural activities. The arts are an effective way to tackle loneliness but can be overlooked by older people’s services. The report provides some practical actions for this activity to be increased and a list of resources. It contains an appended series of ten case studies drawn from some of the arts organisations currently funded by the Baring Foundation. These illustrate some of the many ways in which the arts can make a difference: in rural locations or in the inner city, in a residential care home, a community or an arts venue, through reinventing the tradition of the tea dance for the 21st century or in a major new festival. (Edited publisher abstract)
More than A to B: the role of free bus travel for the mobility and wellbeing of older citizens in London
- Authors:
- GREEN Judith, JONES Alasdair, ROBERTS Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 34(3), 2014, pp.472-494.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Taking London as a case study, where older citizens have free access to a relatively extensive public transport network through a Freedom Pass, the authors explore from a public health perspective the mechanisms that link this travel benefit to determinants of wellbeing. In addition to the ways in which the Freedom Pass enabled access to health-related goods and services, it provided less tangible benefits. Travelling by bus provided opportunities for meaningful social interaction; travelling as part of the ‘general public’ provided a sense of belonging and visibility in the public arena, a socially acceptable way of tackling chronic loneliness. The Freedom Pass was described not only as providing access to essential goods and services but also as a widely prized mechanism for participation in life in the city. It is argued that the mechanisms linking mobility and wellbeing are culturally, materially and politically specific. The data suggest that in contexts where good public transport is available as a right, and bus travel not stigmatised, it is experienced as a major contributor to wellbeing, rather than a transport choice of last resort. This has implications for other jurisdictions working on accessible transport for older citizens and, more broadly, improving the sustainability of cities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Promising approaches revisited: supplementary case studies
- Author:
- JOPLING Kate
- Publisher:
- Campaign to End Loneliness
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 34
- Place of publication:
- London
This supplement is a companion piece to the report Promising Approaches Revisited: Effective action on loneliness in later life. That report sets out the different elements needed for effective action to reduce loneliness. These case studies show the framework in action, illustrating how each element may work in practice. They cover: connectors services, including social prescribing; direct solution including group-based interventions and one-to-one approaches; gateway infrastructure such as digital technology and the built environment; and neighbourhood approaches. (Edited publisher abstract)
Promising approaches revisited: effective action on loneliness in later life
- Author:
- JOPLING Kate
- Publisher:
- Campaign to End Loneliness
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 104
- Place of publication:
- London
Drawing on the expertise and experience of leading figures in the field, academic literature and other evidence, this report presents an update to an earlier framework for loneliness interventions published in 2015. The framework helps to make sense of the different ways we can address loneliness, and explains how these approaches fit together to create an effective community response. The guide offers examples of these approaches in action so that organisations can find inspiration from others. The new guide learns the lessons of the last five years – as well as the impact of the pandemic and how organisations tackling loneliness have adapted. Its key message is that to tackle loneliness, different types of support need to be in place. People need to have the infrastructure to engage in social life, whether that is about digital, transport or a built environment that supports social life. Finally, there are direct ways of reducing loneliness whether that is one-to-one or in groups, or psychological support. A key change to the framework is the addition of the built environment as part of the ‘gateway infrastructure’ that helps tackle loneliness, recognising the role shops, cafes and pubs play as places to meet. (Edited publisher abstract)
Reaching out: guide to helping principal and local councils tackle loneliness
- Authors:
- LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
- Publishers:
- Local Government Association, National Association of Local Councils
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
A practical guide to help principal authorities and local councils to work together to tackle loneliness. The guide outlines the current loneliness policy context and uses a range of case studies to demonstrate effective models working in practice. It highlights four ways in which loneliness can be tackled at a local level: finding ways to reach and understand the needs of those experiencing loneliness; providing services that directly improve the number and quality of relationships that people have; providing support such as transport and technology to help sustain connections; and providing the right environment by creating the right structures and conditions locally to support those affected by, or at risk of, loneliness. Case studies include schemes to tackle loneliness and isolation in rural communities; older people's lunch clubs; supporting socially isolated adults and using tablet computers and video conferencing; and a model of Enhanced Primary Care. The guide includes useful check lists, advice on how to measure and evaluate outputs, and links to additional resources. (Edited publisher abstract)
Review of key mechanisms in intergenerational practices, and their effectiveness at reducing loneliness/social isolation
- Authors:
- BRYER Nia, OWNES Janine
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 99
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
This review examines enablers and barriers to successful intergenerational activities and interventions effectiveness at reducing loneliness and social isolation. It also examines whether there are particular subgroups for whom intergenerational programmes are particularly effective. The review was carried out by researchers at OB3 Research and the Centre for Loneliness Studies at University of Sheffield. It included a literature review, and field work to identify intergenerational interventions and case studies from Wales and the wider UK. The review identified a range of interventions from low level interventions such as raising awareness of ageing issues through to high level intervention where intergenerational activities are embedded into community settings. The findings also indicate that intergenerational practice does more to reduce social isolation and lack of social connections than loneliness. The review identified different benefits for the three groups involved - children/young people, adults and older people. The review also identified a number of enablers that contribute to effective operation of IP (e.g. a visionary leader, a focused perspective) and barriers that hinder action (e.g. time, planning, logistics). The review makes eight recommendations for the Welsh Government to consider in terms of future policy relating to intergenerational practice. (Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluation of Ageing Better in Birmingham year two report
- Authors:
- MORETON Rachel, et al
- Publisher:
- CFE Research
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 57
- Place of publication:
- Leicester
Evaluation of Ageing Better in Birmingham, part of a wider programme of 14 Ageing Better projects located across England taking an asset-based approach to tackle social isolation and loneliness in older people. The evaluation covers activities completed between May 2017 and April 2018. It reports on the range of activities delivered, which included exercise and arts activities; key characteristics of successful activity; how networks are working to make their activities sustainable; and the ways in which activities are attracting male participants. Short case studies of the groups delivered are included throughout. Key findings show that Ageing Better in Birmingham is successfully engaging ethnically and age diverse participants and older adults who are the most-lonely. This has been achieved by mainly working through established voluntary and community groups, which it is noted may not always effective in those areas where the voluntary and community sector is less well developed. The evaluation found Network Leads play an important role in making a successful Network and that Networks involving physical activity appear to be associated with greater wellbeing gains for participants. The report makes recommendations for the future development of the programme. (Edited publisher abstract)