Developing age-friendly communities post-pandemic: Provider and older peoples expereinces

Blezard, Eve; Clark, Andrew; Groves, Vanda; Ahmed, Anya; Elder, Bernadette; Haynes, Dave

Abstract

This work will contribute new knowledge and recommendations about how age-friendly initiatives can better support older people to remain socially connected to the places where they live, particularly in light of experiences of Covid-19 and reduced opportunities for face-to-face connectivity during the pandemic.

The project is underpinned by a participatory action research (PAR) design in which the project team and older people will work collaboratively. This paper explores the initial findings from the project's first two phases, which incorporated provision mapping, community research and a series of focus groups with individuals from organisations that support older people or develop policies to support them.

To date, the project has uncovered differing narratives of lived experience that present a multifaceted picture of ageing post-pandemic in the UK. Although there has been a formal end of lockdown restrictions, this is not the end of people's experiences and concerns; some older people are still self-defining as vulnerable with an ongoing impact affecting what they feel is less or riskier to engage in. The provision of support services continues to be affected in terms of older people's confidence to return and the availability of suitable spaces, services and resources. Due to restrictions in indoor spaces, there has been a re-discovery of outdoor and green places, the use of which continues beyond lockdown. There is also evidence of adaptability by rapidly engaging with new technology. Whilst regular online activities are continued and appreciated by those who can attend them, the digital exclusion of older people remains a concern.

Whilst stakeholders have raised concerns about socially isolated older people whose voice is presently unheard, there is also an interest and motivation of older people to directly shape and influence age-friendly approaches with their experiences and stories.

Citation

Blezard, E., Clark, A., Groves, V., Ahmed, A., Elder, B., & Haynes, D. (2023, July). Developing age-friendly communities post-pandemic: Provider and older peoples expereinces. Paper presented at Social Policy Association Annual Conference July 2023, University of Nottingham

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Social Policy Association Annual Conference July 2023
• Conference Location: University of Nottingham
• Start Date: Jul 5, 2023
• End Date: Jul 7, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 4, 2023
• Keywords: Ageing Community Older Pandemic
• Publisher URL: https://social-policy.org.uk/what-we-do/conference-2/spa-conference-2023/#:~:text=The%20SPA's%202023%20conference%20is,the%20University's%20Social%20Policy%20department.