Research project about reading groups with socially vulnerable older persons.

In 2011, The Reading Society in Denmark approached the EGV Foundation with the proposition of initiating reading groups that specifically target older people in Denmark. In the reading groups, a volunteer reads shorter texts and poems for the audience, leaving space for conversations, memories and associations along the way. The EGV Foundation decided to fund the project – and to produce knowledge about the topic through a qualitative study.

Reading groups were established with four socially vulnerable groups of older adults in mind: Older persons suffering from dementia, persons who are lonely and socially isolated, older refugees and immigrants, and persons suffering from depression. The group processes were analysed in a report (in Danish). The fact that almost all the groups continued to meet following the end of the project speaks for itself.

The report proves the importance of not being demanding in group activities, and it proves how important it is for everyone to be able to join on his or her own terms – and that it is OK to bring whatever resources one may have into the group. Reading together creates an atmosphere of confidentiality in which the participants build common ground and a safe space while sharing life experiences and memories.

The report analyses the ongoing social processes in the groups and offers inspiration for new, meaningful social activities for socially vulnerable older people.

Jon Dag Rasmussen, educational anthropologist, research assistant and Christine E. Swane, director of the EGV Foundation (Social Inclusion for Older Adults), project leader.