MICRA continues webinar series with 'Communities and COVID-19'

On 19^th June, MICRA hosted the second title of the MICRA webinar series. Viewed by academics, policymakers, practitioners and the general public alike, we hosted three speakers from the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) and a Q&A session.

Chris Phillipson reviewed the impact of COVID-19 on community life, placing this in the context of increasing inequalities affecting neighbourhoods over the past 10 years. He argues that the nature of the pandemic is raising fundamental questions about the changing nature of our communities, and the responses necessary to support older people in periods of economic and social crisis.

Sophie Yarker spoke about the implications of social distancing measures on how we use public spaces and how we maintain social connections. She reflected on how important social infrastructures are adapting to deliver their services in the context of the virus and reflects on what issues around social connections may become more pressing as we move into the next phase of the pandemic.

Tine Buffel's presentation considered the implications of COVID-19, and the challenges facing older people living in deprived communities, for developing age-friendly community recovery plans. She concluded with presenting the research plans led by the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group which will assist this agenda.

You can view the presentations here:

• Communities after COVID-19: The impact of social inequality
• Age-friendly social infrastructure in the context of COVID-19
• Building back better: developing age-friendly cities post COVID-19

You can also view the recorded event.