Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Use of information and communication technologies to support social connections for older people
- Author:
- YARKER Sophie
- Publisher:
- University of Manchester
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 5
- Place of publication:
- Manchester
Drawing on the findings of a brief literature review, this document looks at the different types of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital technologies that are being used by older people to help maintain their social connections. It identifies broad trends on the types of technologies being used, the extent to which these technologies support social connections, and what can help older people to use digital technologies. (Edited publisher abstract)
The neighbourhood asset mapping of greater Fishponds: a project delivered by BAB community researchers
- Editors:
- MEANS Robin, WOODSPRING Naomi
- Publisher:
- Bristol Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 60
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
This report presents the findings of a neighbourhood asset-mapping by community researchers in one area of Bristol, and includes their reflections on the asset-mapping process itself. The mapping included a range of organisations, clubs and activities where older people might engage, either as participants or volunteers, some of which might not be expressly focused on older people. Assets identified ranged from churches and traditional service providers to bicycling and gardening clubs to cafes to individuals who were seen as important resources in their neighbourhoods. The mapping also identified some of the community deficits, which included poor public transportation, obstacles to walkability, and a basic lack of resources and facilities. An important insight from the asset mapping work was how boundaries of wards and neighbourhood partnership areas are artificial from the point of view of both many community groups and many older people, with older residents accessing various assets across ward and neighbourhood partnership boundaries. (Edited publisher abstract)
The links between social connections and wellbeing in later life
- Authors:
- SCRUTTON Jonathan, CREIGHTON Helen, INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE UK
- Publisher:
- University College London
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
This report, the first in a two part series summarising UCL research and exploring the policy implications of the work, focuses on social relationships and subjective wellbeing. It highlights that the loneliest and most socially isolated individuals have consistently lower levels of subjective wellbeing than older people who are more socially connected. Both the size of an individual's social network and their frequency of contact with that network are positively associated with wellbeing over 6 years of follow up. While older people begin to see a rise in their wellbeing in later life, those who are socially isolated do not. The report addresses the wider context of these findings, highlighting how a rapidly ageing population could potentially lead to greater numbers of lonely and socially isolated older people if nothing is done to address this issue. It then explores the policy implications of the research, showing that while social isolation and loneliness among older people have been rising up the policy agenda in recent years, the true extent of the loneliness problem is not currently fully known as the government only measures loneliness among those in care or caring for others. (Edited publisher abstract)
Preventing loneliness and social isolation for older people: prompt cards for those who provide support
- Authors:
- MOFFAT Vivien, MUNRO Fiona
- Publisher:
- IRISS
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 23
- Place of publication:
- Glasgow
A set prompt cards, designed for people who work with or support older people, and aim to help prevent loneliness and social isolation. The cards prompt those who provide such support to think about whether older people may be at risk of social isolation or loneliness and to think about ways to help them keep connected. (Edited publisher abstract)
Help in old age: facing up to the challenge; a longitudinal network study
- Author:
- WENGER G. Clare
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- Publication year:
- 1992
- Pagination:
- 237p.,tables,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Liverpool
Examines support networks for people over the age of 75, using quantitative and qualitative longitudinal data to show how the availability and sources of help in a wide range of areas depend on factors beyond the control of the individual. Draws attention to the significance of variation in network type and distribution of network type for care in the community, and suggests that these variations have not been given sufficient consideration in service planning.
Helping the elderly: the complementary roles of informal networks and formal systems
- Author:
- LITWAK Eugene
- Publisher:
- Guilford Press
- Publication year:
- 1985
- Pagination:
- 306p., tables, bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- New York
Preventing loneliness and social isolation among older people
- Authors:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE, CONTACT THE ELDERLY
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This At a glance briefing explains the importance of tackling social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older people. It highlights the adverse effects of feeling isolated and describes a number of services that have been found to help reduce the problem. It draws on research evidence from SCIE's 'Research briefing 39: preventing loneliness and isolation: interventions and outcomes'. It also includes case study examples of two services - a befriending scheme and social group - that help to help mitigate loneliness and isolation and improve the wellbeing of older people.
Ever more needed? The role of the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors:
- DAYSON Chris, et al
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- London
This report draws on the findings of a ‘real time evaluation’ (RTE) of the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs) during the pandemic, as a way to understand and share learning about their response. The LNNs aim to support older people to live independently and participate in their communities as they grow older, through a range of activities and services that are provided at a neighbourhood level. The networks have developed over the past 30 years and there are now 37 of them covering the whole city of Leeds. The form, function, activities and services of the networks are diverse, but they share some key characteristics, such as running with the involvement of older people. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was a city-wide ambition for a symbiotic relationship between the LNNs and the health and care sector. This was linked the city’s strategic vision to make Leeds the ‘best city in the UK to grow old in’ and recognition of the need for a ‘left shift’ of resources toward prevention and the development community-based resources and assets. Although the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that this progressive policy agenda was placed on hold out of necessity as city partners focussed on addressing the acute needs brought about by the crisis, the pandemic also provided an opportunity for the LNNs to demonstrate their value by being part of this response at a city and neighbourhood level. (Edited publisher abstract)
Helping out: taking an inclusive approach to engaging older volunteers
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 22
- Place of publication:
- London
This guide is designed as a practical tool to support organisations working with volunteers to engage over 50s and widen participation among different types of people. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an outpouring of community spirit and volunteering, which has been critical to the local response. Many older people have made significant contributions to their communities during lockdown, with 30% of people aged 50 to 70 volunteering informally and 87% saying they wanted to continue. However, others have been prevented from helping during this time and may now require support. The guide sets out five actions to support organisations to re-engage volunteers and widen participation among those aged 50 and over in future. They include: connect and listen; focus on what matters to people; play to people’s strengths; remove barriers; and be flexible. (Edited publisher abstract)
Real time evaluation of Leeds Neighbourhood Networks: response to the COVID 19 pandemic
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 10
- Place of publication:
- London
This snapshot report evaluates the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs) and how they responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The networks support older people to remain living independently and to participate in their communities through a range of activities and services that are provided at a neighbourhood level. The report shows that following the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic in March 2020 the LNNs adapted their service offer rapidly to meet the needs of people living in their communities, focusing on the provision of food, medicine and other essential items, and ensuring people had access to social and emotional support. Some LNNs have taken on a ‘community hub’ role which has involved offering support to a broader section of the community, such as younger households and people experiencing financial hardship. Challenges and opportunities facing the LNNs during this period include: the intensification of their work; the tension between addressing needs of the whole community and the older people; an increase in the reach and visibility of the LNNs; there are some concerns about longer-term sustainability as the pandemic continues. The paper concludes by recommending the development of a clear vision about the role of the LNN in the citywide COVID 19 recovery process and understanding how LNNs can be supported to play a full and active role in the recovery process, including what resources and support may be needed. (Edited publisher abstract)