Completed
Social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic
Older adults
The lockdowns and restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have made it more difficult to maintain everyday social relationships. Certain groups have become especially isolated, experiencing strong negative feelings of loneliness. In what ways does loneliness affect them psychologically and physically? Are there examples of good practice in the Nordic countries’ efforts to improve their wellbeing?
The Nordic Welfare Centre has launched a new project called Loneliness and Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The aim of the project is to contribute to Nordic knowledge about how we can prevent negative feelings of isolation. At the forefront of this work will be learning lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, so that Nordic societies can be better prepared for future crises. In the project, we survey the consequences of isolation and loneliness during the pandemic and identify particularly vulnerable groups.
Our project intends to gather and disseminate good examples of measures, policy and research from the Nordic countries. These examples of good practice can serve to support and inspire public authorities, experts, organisations and other Nordic policymakers when dealing with crises and promoting mental health.
The project is supported by a reference group consisting of Nordic researchers studying loneliness and social isolation.
The project includes the following elements:
- A report mapping research and other knowledge of the causes and consequences of social isolation during the pandemic.
- A collection of good examples of interventions and policies implemented in the Nordic region to counter loneliness.
- Webinars, seminars and other knowledge dissemination based on the results of the project.
The project will be conducted during 2021–2022.
Reports
Welfare policy
1 Feb 2023
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation and loneliness – A Nordic research review
The COVID-19 pandemic has in many ways challenged the health and well-being of people, and more widely, the welfare systems in the [...]
Welfare policy
1 Feb 2023
Reducing social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic – Examples of promising practice from the Nordic countries
The COVID-19 pandemic has in many ways challenged the health and well-being of people, and more widely, the welfare systems in the [...]
Share
