New international project to study active and healthy ageing in rural areas
5th June 2025
We have joined forces with Food Train, Generations Working Together and colleagues across Europe to study the actions of third sector organisations on the promotion of active and healthy ageing in rural areas.
The programme has been initiated by Fundación Diagrama and is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda. We will work alongside colleagues from Iceland, Norway and Spain through evidence-gathering surveys, case studies, online workshops, and a programme meeting to be held in Madrid in the autumn.
The results will be shared during an event to showcase best practices, as well as through audiovisual material created and shared on Fundación Diagrama’s website and social networks. The programme findings will launch on 1 October 2025, the UN International Day of Older Persons.
As a first step, the partners are inviting third sector professionals and volunteers to contribute to a survey to help understand the current situation and the improvements that should be implemented.
It is hoped that the programme will inspire learning that can be applied and adapted for each participating country. The study has 6 areas of focus:
- Gender and diversity – projects which promote fairness and social inclusion.
- Deinstitutionalisation – projects which reduce the dependency of older people in rural areas on residential care, promoting autonomy and the presence of community or home environments which support services.
- Internationalisation – projects which involved international and global perspectives through cooperation with and collaborations with projects in other countries.
- Combatting unwanted loneliness – projects with strategies or actions which are aimed at preventing and mitigating feelings of loneliness among older people, and which strengthen community networks and prioritise social interaction.
- New technologies – projects which promote the incorporation of digital tools, solutions and intelligent devices to improve quality of life and social participation.
- Social participation – projects that create the conditions for older people to take part in community activities, interactions, strengthen interpersonal relationships, inclusion and social cohesion.
Rosie McLuskie, CEO of Food Train said:
“Food Train plays a unique and vital role in supporting older people across Scotland who are experiencing unwanted isolation and are increasingly at risk of malnutrition. At a time when these challenges are growing, the work of the third sector is more important than ever in delivering compassionate, community-led solutions. Food Train’s contribution not only supports vulnerable individuals but also offers valuable opportunities to share learning and best practice across the sector to help improve later life for all.
As part of this work, it would be great to hear the voices of local partners across Scotland by completing the Healthy Ageing in Rural Environments survey. Your insights are crucial to building a fuller picture of what’s needed and what’s working on the ground.”
Susan Hunter, CEO of Befriending Networks said:
“As a networking organisation for more than 300 befriending services, we know that there is fantastic work happening in rural Scotland which we will be able to share with the programme partners. We also believe that there will be community organisations who have insight and perspectives to share to the programme through this short survey. It would be fantastic to have these experiences reflected in the survey results and programme outcome. At Befriending Networks, we understand the importance of social participation and meaningful connection to active and healthy ageing.”
The partners are making an open call to all staff and volunteers from third sector organisations working in the area of active and healthy ageing in rural areas to complete a short survey. The survey is available for completion until 31st July 2025.