Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Older People: A Literature Review

This literature review was prepared by the Australasian Centre on Ageing (ACA) for the Department of Communities, Queensland Government. The review has two objectives. First, it aims to update the ACA review on social isolation of older people conducted in 2002. The present review focuses on the latest developments in research and initiatives both nationally and internationally, and identifies examples of effective practice aimed at addressing social solation. The second objective of the review is to investigate issues that the last review did not have space to cover. This includes the specific needs of high risk groups, such as older men living alone and older migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The review also scrutinizes the latest developments in policy models aimed at enhancing social inclusion and participation in later life. Overall, this review provides an evidence base and policy context for the Queensland Government to develop a framework for tackling the social isolation of older people