"En god dag ger en god natt" : En kvalitativ studie över värdet för äldre att delta i kommunstyrda träffpunkter

Sammanfattning: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to create a deeper understanding of how meeting points can contribute to meaningfulness, good health and possess a preventive function of good ageing. Questions: In what ways does meeting coordinators believe that meeting points favors the well-being of elderly people, and do it satisfy their expectations? What function do the elderly who attend the meeting points feel that it fills in their lives and what do they find valuable with the participation? Theories: The sense of cohesion, the strength of weak ties, activity theory, continuity theory and the theoretical concept of loneliness. Method: The study used a qualitative method consisting of focus groups and semi structured interviews. Results and Analysis: Results and analysis were themed by the following themes: introduction to the meeting points, counteracting loneliness, meaningful existence and participation, the significance of a meeting coordinator, health-promoting activities and the importance of the meeting points for the elderly. The study showed it was largely elderly who experienced loneliness that visited the municipality-controlled meeting points. The results also indicate that meeting points are good places to counter loneliness and helps expand social networks and social ties. Results also showed that social ties to the meeting-coordinators are significant for the elderly to feel safe and, to a broader extent, participate in the meeting points. Elderly themselves felt that the most essential aspect of the meeting points were the prospect of social contacts and context. The study indicates that municipality-controlled meeting points contribute to meaningfulness in life and promote good health for the elderly through the social and physical activities offered there.