Ageing Better Learning Report 04: Engaging Marginalised People Over 50

Introduction

This report looks at how the Ageing Better programme engaged people aged 50+ who are from different priority groups. It shares learning from across all partnerships, including who took part and how their circumstances shaped their experiences.

It’s intended for funders, practitioners and policymakers working with older adults.

Findings

The report found that the programme successfully reached people over 50 who are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. Participants were more lonely than the general population when they joined, but many reported improvements in loneliness, wellbeing and quality of life after taking part.

The programme was particularly successful at engaging groups often missed by services, including:

• people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities

• carers

• LGBT+ people

• people living alone

• people with long-term health conditions or disabilities

The report found that trusted local organisations, peer support, outreach and activities based on people's interests were effective ways to engage these groups.