MICL Scholarship 2015 – Now Open

The 2015 Masters in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership (MICL) Scholarship Competition sponsored by the Centre for Creativity in Professional Practice, City University London

How can we reduce social isolation for older adults in the UK and around the world?

The UK has now reached a point where there are more people collecting a pension than there are children. By 2020, it is predicted that people over 50 will comprise almost a third of the working age population and almost half the adult population(1).

In this large ageing population, the number of 55 to 64-year-olds living alone has increased by 50% in the last 15 years. 1.2 million people over 50 are classed as severely excluded from society, meaning they have very limited social contact. 400,000 of them are over 80, which puts them at particular risk(2). There is a similar situation in China, and in the US, where half of those aged 80 and above often feel lonely(3).

Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of death in older people regardless of whether they consider themselves lonely, according to research carried out in the UK recently, and Age UK says cuts to services for older people are compounding the problem(4). Social isolation has been described as the hidden killer, causing serious health problems, which can have devastating consequences(2). While we focus often on the physical conditions of older people, we must not forget the importance of mental and emotional health.

We would like you to propose ideas that will seek to reduce social isolation amongst older adults, and thereby reduce the risk of associated serious illnesses. Proposals should be realistic and have a specific focus, and will be judged on the usefulness and novelty of the ideas they contain. They may focus on one-to-one interventions, group activities, community-wide engagement, or a combination of these. You should also think carefully about how to demonstrate the likely impact of your proposal.

Prize

The winner of the MICL scholarship competition is awarded a full scholarship for the Masters in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership (the MICL) at City University London – worth £16,500 to UK/EU winners and £24,000 to non-EU students. A limited number of bursaries, worth £3,500 each, may be available to qualifying runners-up. The competition prize is available to both the full time and part time mode of attendance on the course.

In addition, winners will have the option to pursue their submitted ideas throughout the term of the course. If they so choose, they will be actively supported by City University London staff to turn their ideas into action.

Entries should be submitted by Friday 3rd July 2015. For further information about how to apply please go to the City University London website.

References

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-older-people/2010-to-2015-government-policy-older-people
2. http://www.nobilis.co.uk/choosing-and-planning-for-care/57-isolation-in-the-elderly-the-hidden-dangers-of-loneliness
3. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb/for-professionals/evidence_review_loneliness_and_isolation.pdf?dtrk=true
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21929197