Older men at the margins: a study of older mens experiences of seeking social engagement and combating loneliness in later life.

In collaboration with Age UK, this 2-year project identified how older men (65+) from hard-to-reach and seldom-heard groups experienced loneliness and social isolation and sought to alleviate this in later life. The five groups were: older men living in rural areas who were single or living alone; older men living in urban areas who were single or living alone; older gay men who were single or living alone; older men with hearing loss; and, older men who were carers for significant others (family members, partners). The overarching aim was to develop an in-depth understanding of the ways in which marginalised groups of older men seek to maintain social engagement and social participation in later life. This included participation in groups targeted at reducing loneliness. The research has identified ways in which social care services can better take account of the social wellbeing of older men from marginalised and hard-to-reach groups.

Findings were disseminated through four engagement workshops, a launch event in London and through practice-oriented resources and digital films available on the Age UK website: www.ageuk.org.uk/men-and-loneliness/

Read the research report produced by PolicyBristol: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/policybristol/policy-briefings/omam/

For more information please contact the project lead Paul Willis: paul.willis@bristol.ac.uk

This project is funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research 2016-2019.