Enhancing functional ability and social inclusion through outreach cultural work with elderly

The purpose of the project is to reduce loneliness among people aged 75 and over and to increase their social inclusion by developing permanent collaboration structures and new operating models. The project receives a government grant from administered by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (sosiaali- ja terveysministeriön myöntämä valtionavustus terveyden edistämisen määrärahasta).

The lead partner of the project is city of Tampere (as part of the Kaikkien Tampere -development program) The project partners are municipality of Pirkkala, city of Sastamala, wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa, Nääsville Association and Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

The project will introduce, strengthen and embed an ecosystem approach to outreach cultural elderly care and cultural well-being, model of the outreach-based cultural work with the elderly, model of wellbeing referral and model of community meeting places. In addition, the project will enhance the competencies of professionals and volunteers in supporting social inclusion, cultural well-being and self-directed agency of elderly. The project will also organize group-based activities specifically for older men.

There are 31 600 residents of Pirkanmaa area aged 75 or older, and more than 90 % of whom live at home. Of this group, 10 % do not receive intensive care services. These older adults are at risk of experiencing low levels of social participation and loneliness. These factors are linked to issues such as the development of mental health problems, a decline in functional ability, increased use of health services, and premature death. Furthermore, 45 % of Pirkanmaa area residents aged 75 and over have not used cultural services within the past 12 months.

Older adults in Pirkanmaa area have themselves highlighted the importance of preventing loneliness, strengthening mental well-being, and ensuring the accessibility of activities and services. Through competence development, shared operating practices, and multidisciplinary collaboration, it is possible to enhance opportunities for social participation and promote the well-being of older adults, while also achieving cost-related benefits.

Goal 1: A network of stakeholders has evolved into an ecosystem to support and develop the inclusion of older adults. The project establishes this ecosystem and its operational structures across the municipalities of the Pirkanmaa region. Within the ecosystem, older adults have opportunities to exert influence and participate in development and decision-making processes.

Goal 2: Solutions supporting participation have been developed and implemented. The project identifies the service needs and barriers associated with older adults' participation in cultural activities. Additionally, an outreach model for cultural work with the elderly is being implemented in Tampere, and a group-based activity model supporting self-directed engagement for older men is being launched widely across Pirkanmaa area.

Goal 3: A network of meeting places enables active participation. The project develops the service network of meeting places in Tampere, Sastamala, and Pirkkala in collaboration with residents and ecosystem stakeholders.

Goal 4: The wellbeing referral is in use across all municipalities within the Pirkanmaa wellbeing services county. The project progressively expands the implementation of wellbeing referrals throughout the region.

Goal 5: Competence in supporting cultural wellbeing and participation has increased. The project develops an online training program for professionals and volunteers. This training enhances capabilities and expertise in outreach-based cultural work with the elderly and cultural service guidance, as well as in promoting the agency, inclusion, and cultural wellbeing of older adults.

During the project, an operating model for outreach-based cultural work with the elderly and a well-being referral are being implemented. The ecosystem for outreach-based cultural work with the elderly supports the realization of cultural wellbeing for older adults through permanent structures. Cooperation and trust among stakeholders have increased, as has the number of joint pilot initiatives. The wellbeing of older adults has improved, as measured by indicator of social inclusion. Older adults also have opportunities to influence and participate in development and decision-making processes.

The project is implementing a comprehensive model for community hub activities that identifies and removes barriers to participation for older adults. Additionally, groups specifically for older men are operating widely across the Pirkanmaa region. Participants report an increased sense of inclusion, a finding supported by indicator of social inclusion.

Training developed during the project has enhanced and expanded expertise in understanding and supporting the inclusion and cultural wellbeing of older adults. Professionals and volunteers are equipped to discuss cultural wellbeing and guide older adults toward services that foster inclusion and cultural wellbeing.

Terveyden edistämisen määräraha

Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö