Our Third Place / OTL
An innovative project is a new way of acting to improve the daily lives of elderly people who are vulnerable or isolated. It involves rethinking existing solutions, experimenting with new approaches, and creating initiatives that are more humane, supportive, and sustainable.
Through collaboration between different stakeholders — citizens, associations, institutions, and volunteers — these projects aim to break isolation, strengthen social connections, and promote the well-being of older adults.
Our Third Place / OTL
In a nutshell
The Our Third Place (OTL) project, led by Labolobo, aims to transform nursing homes into places that are open to their neighbourhoods, fostering social interaction, inclusion, and the active participation of older people in community life.
The context
Nursing homes are still often perceived as closed environments focused primarily on care, with limited interaction with the outside world. This situation can increase residents’ social isolation and reduce their participation in community life.
At the same time, surrounding neighbourhoods sometimes lack gathering places, shared activities, and initiatives that encourage connections between generations.
The project
The project supports several Brussels nursing homes in creating third places: open, shared, and evolving spaces that are integrated into neighbourhood life.
These spaces can host a wide range of activities, including:
- cultural and creative initiatives
- intergenerational activities
- community and non-profit projects
- services that benefit local residents
The objective is to break down barriers between nursing homes and their surroundings by opening them up to the community, while actively involving residents, staff members, neighbours, and local stakeholders.
Impact
The project helps to:
- strengthen social interactions and intergenerational connections
- improve the quality of life of residents and staff
- open nursing homes to their neighbourhoods
- encourage the development of local initiatives with social impact
By transforming these living environments into open and dynamic spaces, the project contributes to a better integration of older people within society.
