Year started: 2020

Ends: 30 November 2022

Due to demo­graphic change and individuali­sation in our society, more and more older people are living alone or in nursing homes, often without any relatives or with relatives that live far away. Older people in particular benefit from local non-family networks with friends and neigh­bours. These enable sociability and promote a sense of belonging. Many studies confirm that older people with positive relation­­ships feel better and are healthier. Dream­like Neigh­bour­hood facilitates neigh­bour­hood groups, where older people meet regularly and support each other in (re-)detecting and bringing in their talents, ful­filling their dreams, facing challenges of every­day life and finding ways to actively contribute to their communities.

Objectives

The main idea is to facilitate neighbourhood groups, where older and very old people meet regularly and support each other in (re-)detecting and bringing in their talents, fulfilling their dreams, facing challenges of everyday life and finding ways to actively contribute to their communities. The project’s approach is to nudge exchange and joint activities within the neighbourhood groups. However, the general idea is that the neighbourhood groups themselves will define their purpose, develop joint activities and ways on how to support each other.

Scope

The project mainly involves older adults interested in connecting with other people in their neighbourhood, in building supportive networks and finding creative ways of expressing their perspectives and ideas. Furthermore, we address citizens initiatives or seniors’ organisations that are interested in an innovative approach. People interested are also invited to contribute as co-group coordinators.