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!
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