Social innovation can be defined generally as effective practical responses to a variety of major social challenges - in this case, demographic ageing and the health of older adults. This may come out of the efforts by INNOVAGE, Kobe Centre in Japan, socialinnovationinhealth.org or elsewhere. I am looking for opinions about particularly unique ones that improve health and/or wellbeing in the extra years of life we are living!
A single case in a small town in rural Australia consisted of the local Aged Care Facility receiving weekly visits from a naturopath and a massage therapist.
These practitioners provided minimal cost brief massages - either feet or neck and shoulders to residents. The regular weekly contact and the physical touch made a positive impact on the psychological wellbeing of residents that was noted by the nursing staff.
Additionally, the naturopath consulted with kitchen staff to develop a menu that included local organic produce - eggs, vegetables and fruit from local growers. Residents enjoyed knowing that they were supporting local growers and eating local produce.
This innovative project provided a practical response to the problems of social isolation and alienation that may occur for residents of Aged Care facilities. The project also addressed the problem of poor quality (by Australian standards) meals by replacing pre-prepared and packaged foods with fresh local produce that kitchen staff were very happy to prepare knowing that their efforts contributed to the local community and economy. By investing in local producers who supplied high quality organic fruit and vegetables the project also promoted sustainable farming practices.
This local innovation addressed a number of core health issues in practical ways that benefited the health of older aging adults. Social, psychological, nutritional, and wider environmental issues were addressed with simple practical solutions.
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