Ageing Better: Summative Report Methods Note

Introduction

This report explains the methods used in the summative report of the Ageing Better programme. Ageing Better aimed to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people aged 50 and over. The note was produced to provide transparency about how the evaluation reached its conclusions. It’s intended for:

• funders

• policy makers

• researchers

Findings

The methods note explains how evidence from multiple sources was brought together to reach conclusions. It shows how impact on loneliness was assessed across the programme. It also sets out how the evaluation examined changes in community activity and local systems.

Key points of note include:

• combining survey and qualitative evidence strengthened confidence in findings

• local evaluations provided important context for understanding impact

• changes in loneliness were assessed alongside wider community impacts

• evidence from different areas showed variation in delivery and results