Report: Research into using heritage to tackle loneliness experienced by older men
Findings and recommendations for Historic England
Date: 3rd July 2024 – Revised 4th November 2025
Author/Submitted By: Helen Shearn – Creative health Consultancy | Historic England
This report, “Research into using heritage to tackle loneliness experienced by older men,” commissioned by Historic England, aims to understand the barriers and opportunities for heritage to improve the wellbeing of older, lonely men and to recommend pilot projects.
The report presents the understanding of loneliness and men’s experience of loneliness, as well as men’s needs and preferences, which encompasses:
• The importance of contribution, validation, purpose, and usefulness for men
• A preference for autonomy, and for the freedom to come and go, without making a regular commitment or attendance
• Reluctance and avoidance of having to open up feelings
• Internal barriers to seeking healthcare
• Social anxieties.
This report also incorporates and synthesises current approaches and evidence in tackling loneliness and scopes available evidence from heritage projects. A number of online interviews were held with a range of experts. Professor Olivia Sagan and Professor Paul Willis have published research on loneliness, and Tristi Brownett, a public health lecturer is undertaking research on loneliness in people with cancer. Dr Adam Mars researched men’s experience of social prescribing and Frances Breen researched mental wellbeing in older participants in archaeological projects.
Click the following link to download the report: Using Heritage to tackle loneliness in older men