Social innovation in longevity based on social prescribing: a conceptual and intervention model
Javier Castro-Spila, Usue Beloki, Lucía Martínez Virto, Katrin Etxebeste, Andoni Zulaika, Andere Goirigolzarri, Anthony Pagis, Kevin GouraudPurpose
This study aims to explore innovation from the perspective of social prescribing. The model has been developed within the framework of the TRANSIS LAB (Transborder Living Lab on Social Innovation for Longevity) project, funded by the European Territorial Cooperation Programme Spain–France–Andorra (INTERREG POCTEFA programme), which is developing six pilot experiences in social innovation for longevity in four regions of Spain and France.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual and intervention model with social innovation in longevity for rural areas based on social prescribing has been developed using a combined methodology. On the one hand, a review of the specialised literature has been carried out, which has helped to define the social innovation model. On the other hand, this model has been developed into a tool that measures social fragility. This tool has been validated and tested through its application to 34 elderly people and 14 professionals involved in social intervention with older people in situations of fragility in rural environments.
Findings
The article offers two main results. The first is a conceptual model linking social innovation and social prescribing in rural areas. The second is a social innovation tool for developing pilot projects in rural areas based on social prescribing. The tool enables the measurement of social fragility and thus activates, structures and coordinates networks, resources and local actors to facilitate social inclusion and quality of life for frail older people living in rural areas.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model proposed in this article still requires empirical testing, which constitutes a limitation of this study, although the fragility tool developed has been validated through a participatory process involving professionals and users. Both the tool and the intervention model presented will be tested within the framework of the TRANSIS LAB project, which will launch six pilot experiences in four regions of Spain and France (2026). These pilot experiences will allow the empirical assessment of the model through a quasi-experimental design, based on an ex ante/ex post evaluation with an experimental group without random selection or control-group.
Practical implications
The model offers practical guidance for policymakers, practitioners and rural communities seeking to implement social prescribing within a broader social innovations approach.
Social implications
This model has implications for strengthening inclusive and community-based responses to ageing, reducing social isolation, and strengthening the role of social services in rural areas.
Originality/value
Social prescription has been a complementary strategy for health services to guide users towards community resources. The proposed conceptual model offers a social innovation perspective to connect social prescribing with social and community services in rural areas.