Äldre dam Photo: Vladimir Soares

Can digital tools reduce loneliness among older adults?

Can digital tools reduce loneliness among older adults?

Experiences from three Swedish cities and Nordic research

Welcome to join Nordregio and the Nordic Welfare Centre in a discussion about tools to reduce loneliness among older adults. This a timely topic post-Covid-19, which in many ways increased the social isolation among seniors. The point of departure is a new report by Nordregio, showcasing three municipalities using digital tools in elderly care – and what we can learn from their experiences.

Many older adults in the Nordics feel lonely and socially isolated. Sometimes even when they live in special homes for the elderly. This has negative effects on their mental and physical health – and was further exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic when social isolation became the order of the day. The use of digital technologies within elderly care has the potential to combat social isolation, for instance, by increasing access to care services and social activities. But, until now, we have limited knowledge of the effectiveness of digital interventions.

In a new report, Nordregio investigated the use of digital technologies within home care services and in caring homes in three case study municipalities in Sweden: Huddinge, Eskilstuna, and Storuman. The focus is mainly on challenges, opportunities, and solutions that have emerged during the covid-19 pandemic.

The webinar will be held on 7 December 2022, 13:00-14:15 CET on Zoom.

Join the discussion live online!

REGISTER HERE!

Programme 13:00 – 14:15 CET

13.00 Welcome to the programme

Moderator Åsa Ström Hildestrand, Head of Communications, Nordregio

13.05 Presentation of the new report – main findings: Reducing loneliness among older adults in times of covid-19 and beyond: Experiences from three Swedish Municipalities (REDLON)
Johanna Jokinen, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio   
Q&A with moderator and Audience

13.30 Comments on the report findings from the Nordic Welfare Centre and their project Loneliness and Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: How can we prevent negative feelings of isolation?
Kaisa Kepsu, Senior Advisor, Nordic Welfare Centre

13.40 Comments from a welfare technology perspective – introducing the new Nordic research network on health and welfare technology from a user perspective
Bengt Andersson, Senior Advisor welfare technology, Nordic Welfare Centre

13.50 Questions from the audience

14.10 Thank you and next steps: Åsa Ström Hildestrand and Johanna Jokinen