Description (Context)

Due to demographic changes and a widely supported policy of ageing in place, the number of older people, who live alone will increase immensely. Thus, supportive residential neighbourhoods enabling older people to age in place successfully are required. Besides age-friendly housing, safe environments and availability of public transport possibilities to connect with other (older) adults in the neighbourhood are crucial for the well-being of older people. In fact, affective, instrumental and emotional support provided within the neighbourhood environment have been identified as important predictors of community dwelling older people’s well-being. People with strong social connections live longer, have better mental health, improved physical health and are happier.

AFE Related Topics

Target

Older adults who are interested in connecting with other people in their neighbourhood, building supportive networks and finding creative ways of expressing their perspectives and ideas. People interested are also invited to contribute as co-group coordinators.

Outputs

We will elaborate a Fact Sheet to inform about the project, raise awareness for the issue and inspiring older people, communities and relevant stakeholders to contribute and support Dreamlike Neighbourhoods.

Based on a Concept & Curriculum we are going to establish neighbourhood groups in partner countries. Besides methods promoting interactions, individual reflections and mutual support also creative formats will encourage participants in dealing with the issue of supportive neighbourhood and expressing their perspectives and views.

With the Handbook and the Online Resource Kit we will make visible experiences gained in our project and provide inspirational examples and practical tools to build and run Dreamlike Neighbourhood groups.