Many people in Sweden live in displacement, from refugees, migrants, unemployed, homeless, lonely elderly or other socially vulnerable groups. The current built environment in Sweden, especially the rural environment, is segregating different social classes including people of different ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. On top of that there is a lack of social meeting points where these different types of people can meet for interaction. A vicious circle of segregation with invisible borders is created. This obstacle makes social sustainability weak. There should be more places like Folkets hus where people are naturally interacting with people of other backgrounds during an activity. This would strengthen Swedish integration and social sustainability. However today most of the Folkets hus are “sleepy” due to the results of Swedish individualism and the aftermath of the pandemic. A new post-pandemic Folkets hus is needed. The question is “how can Folkets hus work as an architectural social meeting point within rural Swedish contexts and contribute to improved integration and help displaced people?” and “what is the future of the post pandemic Folkets hus in Swedish small towns?” Today’s Folkets hus still represents the previous interests from the second epoch of Folkets hus with buildings adjusted for activities based on culture and art through dances, concerts and parties. A change is needed. Folkets hus should reflect the interests of today’s population, not the interests of the people livingin the past. More current interests are nature based due to the results of the pandemic but also health and work-out based due to the Swedish individualism which is representedin the Inglehart- Welzel cultural map. We are currently living in an important tipping point to soon go into the fourth epoch of Folkets hus, the post-pandemic version Folkets hus.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to create a deeper understanding of how meeting points can contribute to meaningfulness, good health and possess a preventive function of good ageing. Questions: In what ways does meeting coordinators believe that meeting points favors the well-being of elderly people, and do it satisfy their expectations? What function do the elderly who attend the meeting points feel that it fills in their lives and what do they find valuable with the participation? Theories: The sense of cohesion, the strength of weak ties, activity theory, continuity theory and the theoretical concept of loneliness. Method: The study used a qualitative method consisting of focus groups and semi structured interviews. Results and Analysis: Results and analysis were themed by the following themes: introduction to the meeting points, counteracting loneliness, meaningful existence and participation, the significance of a meeting coordinator, health-promoting activities and the importance of the meeting points for the elderly. The study showed it was largely elderly who experienced loneliness that visited the municipality-controlled meeting points. The results also indicate that meeting points are good places to counter loneliness and helps expand social networks and social ties. Results also showed that social ties to the meeting-coordinators are significant for the elderly to feel safe and, to a broader extent, participate in the meeting points. Elderly themselves felt that the most essential aspect of the meeting points were the prospect of social contacts and context. The study indicates that municipality-controlled meeting points contribute to meaningfulness in life and promote good health for the elderly through the social and physical activities offered there.

Improved living conditions have extended the lifespan and health of the elderly, necessitating more social activity in later years. The Elderly Reform has tasked municipalities with tailoring services for the elderly, considering their socio-economic, health, and cultural contexts. Municipalities aim to create meeting points for those over 65, fostering social interaction, activities, and friendships. This study examines the elderly’s experiences and the significance of these meeting points for their social life. Aim of the study is to create an understanding of the significance that the elderly perceive municipal meeting points have for their social life. The method used was semi-structured interviews with respondents who have turned 65 and who are actively participating in activities arranged at a municipally run meeting point for the elderly. The results show that meeting points constitute a social field and a point of orientation in the elderly’s social life, offering security, relationship building, and social context.  The conclusion of the study shows that the municipal meeting points hold a positive significance for the social lives of the elderly, based on the opportunity for social context and structured everyday life