International Longevity Centre Global Alliance - Designing the Future of Ageing

18 December 2025

Older migrants in the Netherlands are particularly vulnerable to loneliness due to health, financial, and migration-related challenges. The Together against Loneliness intervention shows how a culturally sensitive, co-creative approach can strengthen social bonds and improve well-being.

Everyone experiences loneliness at times. However, it becomes a serious concern when it is persistent and accompanied by strong negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. Loneliness is commonly defined as the distressing feeling that arises from a lack of meaningful social connections. While it is a universal human experience, some groups are particularly vulnerable. One of these groups are older migrants living in the Netherlands.

Research has identified several factors that help explain why older migrants are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. First, on average, they are more likely to face general risk factors such as poor health, limited financial resources, and low satisfaction with their social relationships. In addition, migration-related challenges — including language barriers and experiences of discrimination — can hinder meaningful connection with others. Cultural background also plays a role. In many collectivist societies of origin, close and supportive relationships are highly valued, but these expectations are often difficult to meet in the more individualistic contexts of Western Europe. This mismatch can intensify feelings of loneliness among older migrants.

Despite the high levels of loneliness among older migrants, most available interventions are not well equipped to address their specific needs. Many existing programs take a top-down approach and lack the cultural sensitivity required to engage this diverse group effectively. They tend to focus narrowly on increasing the number of social contacts, often overlooking the importance of cultural context and emotional connection. The Together against Loneliness (TaL) intervention was developed precisely to bridge this gap.

What is Together against Loneliness?

TaL is a community-based social intervention developed to reduce loneliness and improve the well-being of older migrants (aged 55 and over) living in the Netherlands. The intervention was first launched in 2021 by Leyden Academy in collaboration with Al-Amal, a migrant organization situated in Utrecht. Since 2023, the intervention is nationally expanded in collaboration with Foundation RCOAK.

The intervention brings together small groups of older migrants in a safe, closed setting to participate in at least ten meetings over the course of a year. What makes TaL unique is its co-creative approach: participants are actively involved in shaping the content and structure of the meetings. They decide together which topics to discuss — such as health, loss, faith, or navigating Dutch society — and which activities to organize, from cooking and crafts to guest lectures and local outings. This bottom-up method builds trust, fosters a sense of ownership, and encourages meaningful connections among participants.

The groups are typically formed based on shared language, nationality, religious background, or interests, which helps build mutual understanding. However, they are also diverse in age, life experience, and personal stories. The meetings are guided by experienced facilitators who help ensure a respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive atmosphere.

Since its launch, the intervention has reached over 300 participants in ten cities across the Netherlands and has shown promising results in strengthening social bonds, building confidence, and reducing feelings of loneliness.

Key insights from research

Thus far, the intervention is accompanied by three years of qualitative research conducted by Leyden Academy. Using participant observations, informal conversations, and a narrative evaluation method called the Most Significant Change, the researchers explored not only what was done, what worked and what not, but also what it meant to the participants.

Across groups, similar impacts were observed, such as:

• A sense of home and belonging: Many described their group as “a second family” and a place where they could be themselves.
• Mutual support: Strong friendships are formed. Outside the group, participants began calling, visiting, and helping one another — from sharing advice to attending doctor appointments together.
• Greater connection to their neighborhood: Many who were previously isolated began taking part in local activities.
• Personal growth: Especially among women, the intervention sparked empowerment — learning to set boundaries, express needs, and take initiative.
• Improved well-being: Participants reported feeling happier, more energized, and less lonely. Some even reported needing fewer visits to the doctor.

While exact changes in loneliness were not measured quantitatively, the qualitative findings demonstrate meaningful improvements in emotional, social, and even physical well-being.

The power of co-creation

A key success factor is the co-creative approach. By involving older migrants directly in shaping the intervention, it becomes more relevant, inclusive, and empowering. Participants do not just “receive help”; they become active agents in creating connection — with each other and with their environment.

TaL demonstrates that culturally sensitive, bottom-up approaches can be highly effective. In a time when societies across Europe are ageing and diversifying, this Dutch example offers valuable lessons for how to foster inclusion, dignity, and community among older migrants.

ILC-Netherlands