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 seeks to identify ways of alleviating loneliness and reducing isolation for older men (65+) across marginalised and seldom-heard groups: men living in rural areas who are single or living alone; men living in urban areas who are single or living alone; older gay men who are single or living alone; older men with hearing loss; and, older men who are carers for significant others (e.g. family members, partners). The overarching aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the ways in which diverse groups of older men seek to maintain social engagement and social participation in later life. This includes participation in group interventions targeted at reducing loneliness. The research will identify ways in which social care and voluntary services can better take account of the social wellbeing of older men from marginalised and seldom-heard groups. Findings will be disseminated through engagement workshops and through practice-oriented resources and digital films online. All resources will be available on Age UK's website at the end of the project.

The project is due to finish in early 2019. For more information please contact omam-project@bristol.ac.uk

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