A Lonely Planet? Addressing loneliness from a neighbourhood perspective

The research project A Lonely Planet investigates the relationship between loneliness and the neighbourhood. It is a joint project of HIVA KU Leuven, Centre of Expertise Care & Well-being, Thomas More and SARLAB VUB. ZorgLab Aalst is excited to contribute to the research with its innovative approach and valuable perspective on loneliness. The scope of the project shows similarities to the objective of our KORALE-partner Gipuzkoa's good practice 'KALELAGUN', whichfocuses on the design of outdoor public spaces that help reduce loneliness and increase the well-being and independence of elderly people. 

To date, very little is known about the impact of physical and social neighbourhood characteristics (e.g. public parks, public transport, access to housing) on loneliness. The A Lonely Planet research project specifically addresses the different dimensions of loneliness (emotional, social and existential) and the effect of the neighbourhood (physical and social) on the perception of loneliness in adults of all ages. As loneliness interventions should be tailored to the needs of the individual and of the neighbourhood to be effective, this research highlights a key aspect of the battle against loneliness. 

Based on its research findings, the team will formulate specific recommendations for policy actors and develop practical evidence-based tools that help address loneliness from a neighbourhood perspective. This will include the creating of: 

•  A detection tool through which users can detect neighbourhoods at increased risk of loneliness; 

• Neighbourhood personas associated with the three dimensions of loneliness to be used to increase the possibilities of counteracting loneliness at an earlier stage; 

• A low-threshold guide on loneliness from a neighbourhood perspective integrating theory, tips, tools and methods. 

To gather research data, the team conducts case studies in four neighbourhoods in Flanders and Brussels, one of which is located in the municipality of Aalst. There, ZorgLab Aalst and the researchers organise focus groups and walking interviews with residents and key figures. Together they will map out the story of the neighbourhood, allowing the researchers to identify crucial factors in addressing loneliness from a neighbourhood perspective and enabling the city council to incorporate data and research findings into local policy. 

Learn more: : https://eenzaamheidendebuurt.be/