Thin ties and social cohesion : The significance of meeting places for older persons

The point of departure for this study is a need of more knowledge about to which extent and in what way organized meeting places can have a meaning for older persons as a place for social networking. The study was performed with use of interviews and participant observations at two different meeting places run by the municipality. As a first step a content analysis was made based on the empirical data. This analysis showed that visits on a more or less regular basis gave a structure to everyday life that felt important for the visitors. The meetings with other old persons contributed to a feeling of social cohesion and replaced experiences of loneliness. These results were significant for both meeting places. As a second step, an analysis linked to theories on social networks gave a more deep knowledge about the essence of the social networks which were developed and the significance of these networks. The analysis shows that most of the networks could be described as thin ties (that is: relatively superficial and noncommittal network ties). These ties could mainly be described in terms of conversation contacts. In spite of that these contacts could be described as thin, they have an emotional value in contributing to a sense of community and safety. Some networks also showed to have a potential for a development towards thin friendship ties. As a summary of the results the most significance of meeting places for older persons were the contribution to give a feeling of being part of a community. This adds a value of meaning and safety in everyday life for older persons. The study shows how important it is to take into consideration to organize meeting places when planning for aging in place for older persons. This could be seen as an important strategy for preventing loneliness and health problems among older people