Other thoughts…
In addition to the four ideas which were developed in Phase Two, many more interesting thoughts, provocations and considerations were surfaced which we believe deserve further exploration. They fall roughly into two categories:
1) Do different things - i.e. develop new and different solutions which have the potential to increase the social connectedness of older people.
2) Do things differently - i.e. adopt different approaches, mindsets and principles when delivering existing services and in existing spaces, which increase the social connectedness of older people.
Some of these are listed below. We believe these are tangible, actionable steps which could be taken to increase the social connectedness of older people, and we invite you to consider how they might apply to your role and within your context.
Do different things
Turn planning for positive ageing into action - develop tools and resources to support people to make their plans a reality.
Put the ‘care’ back into caring - invest in and value relationships over efficiencies in key roles in aged care.
Design places and spaces for connection - e.g. conversation seats, drop-in areas, connection spaces in high rise accommodation.
Build everyday intergenerational connection through shared activities e.g. dog-walking.
Do things differently
Provide opportunities for older people to opt in, shape and be actively involved, not ‘done to.’
Design in reciprocity - two-way engagement that values what older people have to offer as well as what they need.
Think local - there is a strong preference for personal and local connections.
Foster peer connection as well as intergenerational links.
Connect around the positive - learning, growth and celebration are powerful starting points for connection.