We are building community

We are building community is a fictional project for Social Inclusion and Skill Development for senior citizens in Sweden. IKEA's community initiative provides senior citizens with the opportunity to learn furniture making, borrow already-made furniture, and connect with others to combat social isolation and loneliness while promoting skill development, a sense of purpose, and improved quality of life.

The purpose of "We are building community"

The motivation behind starting this project is rooted in the harsh reality that many senior citizens in Sweden face psychological distress due to loneliness and social isolation. A significant portion of the elderly population either lives far from their families and friends or lacks chances for social interaction with peers of the same age, leading to intensified feelings of isolation.

Consequently, social isolation has detrimental impacts on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of these seniors, compromising their overall quality of life. They deeply yearn for increased social connections and opportunities to engage in meaningful activities.

With this context in mind, the 'We are building community' project was initiated. This initiative seeks to offer senior citizens opportunities for social interaction, skill acquisition, the creation of positive experiences, and the combatting of social isolation. Our objective is to empower seniors to lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives. This project is aligned with IKEA's dedication to nurturing human connections and promoting care as part of our social responsibility mission.

What do we offer?

  • Furniture-making workshop

    The community can offer furniture-making workshops to teach seniors how to make their own furniture.

    This can provide a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment while promoting cognitive function and fine motor skills.

  • Furniture borrowing

    The community can offer a furniture borrowing program, allowing seniors to borrow already-made furniture for their homes.

    This can make it easier for them to furnish their homes without having to purchase new furniture or move heavy pieces themselves.

  • Social events

    The community can organize social events and gatherings, such as potlucks, game nights, or movie screenings.

    This can help seniors connect with others and combat social isolation and loneliness.

  • Access to tools and resources

    The community can provide access to tools, materials, and resources for furniture-making and home maintenance.

    This can make it easier for seniors to perform household tasks and maintain their homes, even if they have limited mobility or resources.