Older People and Neighbouring

The Role of Street Parties in Promoting Stronger Communities

Streets Alive carried out research about older people, neighbouring and street parties. The results in summary showed that:

Older people sometimes exclude themselves from street parties and neighbouring generally for a number of reasons (more details in downloadable briefing below).
Street parties are a unique and excellent opportunity for all generations to meet as neighbours in their street.
Organising residents may need to make a little extra effort to involve older people by, for example:
- inviting them face to face
- assuring them that your event is for all ages, and not just for kids – street parties used to be kids’ tea parties
- putting out chairs to sit on
- having a tea party and a cake competition
- having a quiz or display photos about the history of the street or neighbourhood
- celebrating the oldest person with a cake or something
- playing music they like or ask them to show off their old dance skills

Make a special promotion of age friendliness in your street or area by using our Campaign Materials.