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Description
The purpose of the project is to diminish loneliness and social isolation of elderly people and build the bridge between young and old by bringing them together and offer them opportunities for quality time and various developing activities. In the course of the project, young people will be recruited and trained to communicate with the elderly. Young people meet with the elderly, both by way of individual and group meetings and conduct joint activities. Young people will also be helping to increase digital skills of the elderly, provide them with necessary tools and equipment. During the meetings, the stories of the elderly will be collected and published, thus mapping the challenges of loneliness and raise the awareness in society on these issues.
Summary of project results
Loneliness is a growing issue in society. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us all how profoundly isolation and restrictions can affect us. Psychologists are increasingly emphasizing that loneliness is a serious problem affecting both the elderly and young people, and it has become even more evident during these challenging times. Loneliness is also a factor that increases the risk of illness and even death.
Research, including findings by the organization Jututaja and the Eurobarometer survey (471/2018), shows that in Estonia, between half and two-thirds of people feel lonely. The effects of loneliness on both mental and physical health are comparable to those of obesity and smoking – in fact, the impact of loneliness is said to be similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This highlights the importance of strong social connections, which greatly increase the likelihood of living a healthy life. As one client of Jututaja aptly put it: "An hour of conversation is worth more than 10 pills."
Jututaja was established as a response to stories about socially isolated elderly individuals. It is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing loneliness among the elderly, helping them reconnect with society, and fostering interaction between different generations. Jututaja''s mission is to bridge the gap between young and old by bringing them together, while also offering young people opportunities to develop their communication skills and learn from older generations.
Efforts to Increase Social Engagement Among the Elderly and Reduce Their Sense of Loneliness
The project successfully reduced social isolation among the elderly by organizing one-on-one and group activities with young people. These included visits to museums, theaters, natural sites, and other venues, aligning with the findings of a project survey indicating these are the types of activities people wish to engage in to combat loneliness. Feedback from the elderly, collected throughout the project, was overwhelmingly positive. They expressed anticipation for the meetings and emphasized how meaningful these interactions were for both themselves and the young participants.
Young people joined elderly participants on nine group outings, including trips to KUMU Art Museum, the Estonian Museum of Coastal Folk, Tallinn Zoo, and the Rocca al Mare Open-Air Museum. Additionally, they attended theaters together. In total, 228 elderly individuals participated in activities organized through the project.
Offering Young People Meaningful and Impactful Experiences
A significant part of the project focused on recruiting, training, and preparing young people for their interactions with the elderly. Seven training sessions were held on various topics, including communication skills, conflict resolution, and first aid, which enhanced their knowledge and abilities. Through individual and group conversations as well as joint activities, the young participants improved their communication skills and developed greater respect for older generations.
Workshops and feedback sessions provided valuable opportunities for young participants to reflect on their experiences and receive guidance from the project leader. These sessions helped them understand the elderly''s expectations and the challenges of social isolation and loneliness while offering them hands-on experience interacting with older adults. They learned to engage directly with the elderly in meaningful ways, such as conversing, attending cultural events together, and alleviating feelings of loneliness.
The project emphasized practical implementation from start to finish. Many young participants, including social work students from Tallinn University and Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, gained skills and knowledge they can apply in their future careers. A total of 61 young people participated in the project.
Expanding Knowledge on Loneliness in Estonia and Building Networks
The project raised public awareness of loneliness through training sessions, media outreach, and a survey that provided deeper insights into the nature of loneliness and its links to other aspects of social life. The survey also sparked a broader discussion on loneliness, which culminated in a public debate organized in collaboration with Vaba Lava, where the project''s findings and survey results were presented.
The initiative strengthened cooperation between key organizations, including universities, schools, and care homes. Notable partnerships were established between young volunteers and care homes, such as those in Tabasalu, Nõmme, Viimsi, Tapa, Tartu, Kastre, Alatskivi, Kilingi-Nõmme, Merivälja, and Kose. Collaboration with Pihlakodu care homes highlighted the positive impact of young people''s interactions on the emotional well-being and health of elderly residents, as reflected in feedback from 2022 and 2023.
The project also facilitated the exchange of best practices. For example, a study visit to the Humanitas care home in Deventer, Netherlands, in August 2022 allowed insights into innovative approaches that can be adapted and implemented in Estonia.
The project achieved several important outcomes:
- Increased Social Activity and Reduced Loneliness Among the Elderly
Through face-to-face meetings and shared activities such as visits to museums, theaters, botanical gardens, and other cultural sites, the project significantly enhanced the social engagement of elderly participants. Additionally, some elderly individuals gained digital skills, as young participants shared their knowledge of applications like Google Maps and online radio. - Meaningful Engagement for Young People
The project provided young people with valuable community involvement opportunities, helping them develop their communication skills through training sessions and storytelling exercises. By interacting directly with the elderly, the younger generation also deepened their respect and understanding of older adults’ experiences and needs. - Strengthened Intergenerational Connections
By involving students and pupils from Tallinn University and local schools, the project facilitated practical, hands-on experience with elderly participants. This strengthened connections between generations and enhanced young participants'' awareness of the social challenges faced by older people. - Expanded Awareness and Knowledge About Loneliness
The project contributed to a better understanding of loneliness and its impact through a survey that explored the prevalence of social isolation among the elderly and the wider population. The findings were shared via media outlets, universities, and public discussions, helping to inform policy-making and raise awareness of this critical issue. - Building Networks Between People and Institutions
The initiative fostered collaboration between key stakeholders, including universities, schools, and care homes, creating stronger networks to address loneliness and support intergenerational activities in the future.
Broader Impact
The project successfully reduced loneliness and social isolation among the elderly while fostering meaningful bonds between generations. By creating opportunities for quality time together, it bridged the gap between young and old.
The project also brought the issue of loneliness into the spotlight. Findings from the population survey provided valuable insights into the nature of loneliness, which were disseminated widely through media coverage and public discussions. This raised awareness and encouraged a societal dialogue on how to address loneliness effectively.