Research into the main sources of social and meaning needs of older people in Europe

23 February 2023

There are three main sources for fulfilling social and meaning needs: personal relationships, social participation and spirituality or transcendence. So describe researchers from the University of Humanistic Studies in the studies they made as part of the European research project SeeMe: Social inclusion through Meaningful Ageing. The studies are now available for download.

Europe's population is getting older, and the number of elderly citizens is growing steadily. The result is an increasing demand for care. Most care focuses on medical and physical aspects, but ageing also brings social, cultural and spiritual changes. Therefore, a broader perspective on ageing is needed. A perspective that also pays attention to the potentials and talents of older people, and to their needs in the social sphere and the field of meaning.

European research

The European research project SeeMe focuses on independent living older people in European societies and is funded by the European Commission. The project brings together scientific and social partners from several European countries. The aim of the research is to counteract the social inclusion of older people and gain a better understanding of their potential for personal growth. The focus is on their social needs and wishes for meaningfulness.

Researchers at the University for Humanistic Studies, led by professor Anja Machielse, recently published three studies that show the main sources for fulfilling the social and meaning needs of older people: personal relationships, social participation and spirituality or transcendence.

View the reports

Report 1: SEEing social and meaning needs, talents and dreams of older adults, receiving (informal) care

Report 2: Optimising caregiving competences and skills of professional, volunteer and informal caregivers

Report 3: Good practices on ‘social inclusion through meaningful ageing’ - An analysis of six case studies in Europe

Training for professionals

Based on the knowledge generated by the research, training courses will be developed for various (professional) groups: volunteers and professionals in care and welfare, managers and policymakers. On 29 March, the See Me training for professionals in eldercare (in Dutch) takes place, offered by the UvH Academy.

Also check out the UvH project page andwebsite See Me.

For fulfilling social needs and needs of meaning there are three main sources: personal relationships, social participation and spirituality or transcendence. As described by researchers from the University of Humanistic Studies in the studies they did as part of the European research project 'SeeMe: Social inclusion through Meaningful Ageing'. The studies are now available for download.