We recognise that the main risk factors for social isolation are linked to marginalisation and inequality. Our focus is on equalities and shifting power towards those who have not traditionally been involved in decision making.

It is important to involve older people in the design and delivery of age-friendly communities. However, time and resource is needed to do this effectively.

To meet the needs of our diverse society, it is important to provide a variety of ways people can get involved in their communities. To fully include marginalised groups, we need to make sure that we are inclusive when we design general opportunities as well delivering targeted approaches.

Many of us feel a sense of belonging to our community when we are around people we feel are like us. We can help increase community cohesion by providing opportunities to get to know others who we may perceive as different from ourselves and discover similarities.

Social Infrastructure (or shared spaces) need to be sustained as they support social inclusion. Exchanging pleasantries, information and chatting within shared spaces enables older people to stay involved in their community, connected to informal social networks of support and are an essential precursor to more formal social and civic participation.