Social Isolation and Loneliness

Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks

This article outlines the health risks associated with social isolation and loneliness in older adults and provides practical tips for staying connected.

Available on the link:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

This is growing old: a podcast by the Alliance for Aging Research

Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the alliance for Aging Research, chats with Mark Meridy, Executive Director of DOROT. DOROT's mission is to decrease social isolation and loneliness among older adults, which is more important than ever.

This moving short film, winner of the micro-story contest about older women living alone, tells the story of Mrs. Vila, sensitively portraying the experience of loneliness in old age. Story by: Sara María Laborda.

Duration: 2:45min

Social Interaction Across the Life Course

“How the 4 Types of Friendship Fit Into Your Life”

This article explores the various types of friendships people can form throughout life. The piece highlights the characteristics of each type, their role in social and emotional well-being, and how friendships can evolve over time. It also discusses the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and recognizing the different levels of intimacy and support each type of friendship offers.

Available on the link:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

“Better Together: A Practical Guide to Effective Engagement with Older People”

This practical guide provides strategies and principles for meaningfully engaging older adults in decision-making and community activities. It emphasizes the value of inclusion, respect, and empowerment, offering practical tips for planning, communicating, and evaluating engagement processes. The guide also includes case studies, checklists, and tools to support professionals and organizations in fostering age-friendly, participatory approaches.
Available on the link:

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/efc56a004efc69f1b7ccf79ea2e2f365/Better+Together+-+A+Practical+Guide+to+Effective+Engagement+with+Older+People.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 

Experts explore the causes, risks, and health consequences of social isolation and loneliness among older adults, highlighting key research findings and sharing valuable insights from both professionals and older individuals. The video also presents practical strategies to foster social connection and enhance well-being in aging communities.

Duration: 36:47min

How to Become a FRIEND Facilitator

This video provides practical tips for facilitators on how to confidently manage difficult participants during group sessions. It explores common challenging behaviour, such as dominant, disengaged, overly critical, or silent participants and offers clear strategies to maintain a respectful environment, re-engage the group, and ensure everyone feels heard and included.

This kit contains a selection of practical online resources to support facilitators in managing sensitive situations when working with older adults.

Friends Connection Guide – Selected Pages (pp. 16–21)
Pages 16 to 21 of this guide offer concrete strategies for building meaningful connections among older adults, especially those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation. It includes conversation prompts, reflective questions, and group activities that promote emotional safety, inclusion, and positive relationship-building. These pages can help facilitators handle moments of emotional vulnerability during group sessions.

https://www.tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Friends-Connection-Guide-with-Activities-Final-Print-version.pdf

Trauma-Informed Facilitator KSA Guide (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes)
This guide outlines the core competencies needed for trauma-informed facilitation. It emphasizes the importance of equity, empathy, emotional awareness, and respectful communication when working with participants who may have experienced trauma. It also offers tools for self-reflection and strategies to maintain a safe, supportive environment for all group members.

https://traumainformedoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/SOC-Facilitator-Toolkit-Trauma-Informed-Facilitator-KSAs-Guide.pdf

7 Tips for Facilitating Senior Groups
A practical blog post offering seven clear tips for facilitating groups of older adults. It focuses on adapting your facilitation style to meet seniors’ specific needs – such as allowing more time for discussion, using inclusive language, and building trust. It also stresses the importance of being patient, prepared, and responsive to the group’s pace and emotional tone.

https://focusu.com/blog/7-tips-for-facilitating-senior-groups/

Hosted by Beth Cougler Blom, this podcast explores how to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. It offers strategies for building authentic connections, managing group dynamics, and addressing sensitive topics.

https://bcblearning.com/podcast/

FRIEND Programme: From Theory to Practice

The video presents some tips that facilitators can get inspiration to use in their facilitation groups.

Language: NL. Can be used automatic translation.

Duration: 4:58 min

The video shows the influence of positivity. Facilitators may get inspired by strategies to motivate their participants.

Language: NL. Can be used automatic translation.

Duration:

5:27 min

The video presents the “ball of yearn exercise” and guides viewers in a way to implement this activity.

Language: ENG. Does not provide automatic translation

Duration: 3:38 min

GA no:

2023-1-NL01-KA220-000156207

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Privacy Policy

Manage cookies preferences