The Tenderloin Senior Outreach Project (TSOP) - USA

The project slowly motivated groups of elderly people to socialize with each other over coffee & refreshments. Through subsequent discussions in the new chat groups, a system of organized action served to meet the needs of the ageing community.

Ageing, Population, Rights

When local university staff realized that many seniors felt afraid of crime, rent increases & inadequate income, TSOP was created. Instigating interpersonal communication through coffee & refreshments, groups of elderly people were encouraged to meet each other. Conversations led to mutual needs, such as the security issue & the creation of the 'safe house' project. Much like the Block Parent programme flagging safe houses for children to go in times of trouble, the Safe House project flagged shops, banks or offices which would "display a sign showing that any older person in fear of imminent attack could go into that building for refuge and to call the police". Discussions also led to economic difficulties & a system of bulk buying was put into place. The social effort led to a heightened sense of community among the ageing to the point where they were looking out for each other as extended family. "Groups also became security conscious about other minorities at risk, such as refugee immigrants from South-East Asia who spoke little English". The renewed strength in numbers gave the elderly courage to negotiate better rents & empowered them as to their rights within the community.