A book summarizing projects and findings from the first five years of the National Science Challenge was launched on 13th September. Find out more here. The book, ‘Celebrating Ageing Well: the first five years of the Ageing Well National Science Challenge’ is available online here. A number of the projects investigate aspects of loneliness, isolation and social connection in older age. Of particular interest are:
The Loneliness Epidemic (lead researcher Professor Merryn Gott), which explores how loneliness is experienced by older New Zealanders from different cultures, and assesses the effectiveness of Age Concern’s Accredited Visiting service as a befriending intervention.
Challenging Western Perspectives (lead researcher Mr Charles Waldegrave), which explores new ways of measuring loneliness and social isolation amongst older Māori and Pacific peoples.
All the Lonely People (principal investigators Dr Sally Keeling, Dr Hamish Jamieson) investigates how chronic loneliness impacts on entry into rest home care.