Insights from the SERIGO CoP webinar (18 March 2026).
Older people living in rural areas face overlapping challenges anchored in territorial inequalities, that go beyond ageing itself. Limited access to health services, social isolation and digital exclusion are some of them. Across Europe, communities are developing innovative, locally driven responses. This article explores key insights from experts and practitioners on how to better support older people while strengthening social connections and resilience in rural areas.
Understanding the challenges of older people
Colin Yeandle (representing Age Platform Europe and Générations Mouvement) opened the discussion by highlighting the most common challenges in rural France. He outlined key issues including territorial inequalities, overstretched healthcare services, limited public transport, social isolation and digital exclusion. With a rapidly ageing population, these issues are expected to intensify, requiring urgent policy action and more care workers. Yet, he said that community initiatives, like local clubs and activities, can play a crucial role in alleviating isolation and maintaining engagement among older adults.
Prof. Paul Milbourne (researcher at Cardiff University) presented the preliminary results of his research on food insecurity among older people living in rural areas. He explained that older adults may appear less food insecure statistically, not because they are unaffected, but because they adapt their behaviours, often avoiding formal food aid. Lack of access to transport and shops, and social isolation exacerbate the issue. Paul highlighted that community-based approaches, which combine affordable food with social engagement, can reduce stigma and help address both food access and isolation.
“Food insecurity is not just about income, it’s about access, mobility, and the ability to live an active and healthy life,” Paul Milbourne
Community-driven inspiring practices
The second panel focused on innovative models to rebuild social connections, fight isolation and address the digital divide.
Working in Võru, a rural area in southern Estonia, Mai Timmi (Võruma Partnerluskogu) presented their work supporting older men at risk of isolation in rural areas. They developed a participatory approach where men help design and lead the activities. Some of them include small-group discussions, inspirational talks, shared meals and cultural activities all aimed at fostering connection, engagement and mutual support. This initiative is one of the pilot projects implemented within SERIGO.
Mariana Assunção (AD ELO), presented the VirtuAll project, a community-led initiative addressing social isolation and the digital divide among older adults in rural areas of Portugal. VirtuALL combines digital literacy, health education and social engagement. The project provides technology access, interactive learning, and intermunicipal events, ensuring participants are active contributors rather than passive recipients. Since 2019, over 1,600 older residents have participated, reporting improved digital skills, social connections, and confidence. This project was recognised as an inspiring practice by the 2024 ELIF call for Community-Led Social Innovation (CLSI).
Claire Dalton (Third Age Ireland) presented several initiatives implemented in rural Ireland, in which older volunteers help strengthen communities:
- Fáilte Isteach, an English conversation programme for migrants run by older volunteers;
- Seniorline, a confidential listening service for isolated older adults;
- Agewell, a peer-to-peer home support programme helping older people stay independent.
Across these programmes, volunteers –who are themselves beneficiaries– build trust, social connections and supporting networks. Third Age Ireland is one of the case studies of SERIGO project. Find more information here.
“Older people, when empowered and trusted, are essential in rebuilding the social fabric of communities and creating inclusive, resilient networks,” Claire Dalton
The role of carers in fighting exclusion
Giulia Lanfredi (Eurocarers) explained that informal carers, family members, friends, or neighbours providing unpaid care, deliver about 80% of long-term care in Europe, making them essential to the system. Their role is even more critical in rural areas, with limited access to services and long distances.
Caregiving becomes burdensome without adequate support, often leading to isolation, especially in ageing rural communities where both carers and recipients are ageing. She emphasises the need for policies that address these regional inequalities, support carers, and ensure people can receive care within their own communities.
Key takeaways
- Ageing in rural areas is shaped by overlapping challenges and territorial inequalities. These challenges reinforce each other, making exclusion more severe in rural settings:
- Limited healthcare access and other essential services
- Limited access to transport
- Social isolation
- Digital exclusion
- Social isolation and loneliness are central issues, affecting wellbeing and sense of belonging but also physical and mental health. They are underpinned by other problems such as access to services, food and support.
- Older people should be involved as active contributors, not just beneficiaries, of solution design and delivery.
- Community-driven solutions are effective, particularly those that combine essential services like food provision with intentional spaces for social interaction.
- Strengthening local networks and informal support systems is key to addressing isolation.
- Informal carers play a crucial role and must be better recognised as community links and supported to do so.
ELIF: a network for local development
This webinar was co-organised in collaboration with the European Local Innovation Forum (ELIF), an AEIDL initiative. Julen Leturiondo (ELIF coordinator) presented ELIF as an online platform that connects local actors across Europe to share knowledge, collaborate, and strengthen innovation in their communities.
Through meetings, good practice events, and initiatives like expert interviews, ELIF promotes exchange of ideas and showcases local practices. With a large, international network, it provides a space for learning, collaboration, and supporting more resilient and innovative communities.
Did you miss the webinar? Watch the recording here.
Register for our upcoming event on women’s health in rural areas (6 May 2026)!