IDOP 2026: What's on your doorstep?

What's on everyone's doorstep is different, shaped by who we are, where we live, and what matters most to us.

For many people, the doorstep is a gateway to the relationships, opportunities and support that help a community feel like home. It might be a local park, a library, an exercise class, a community hub, or a neighbour who stops for a chat. 

Older people make enormous contributions to our communities as workers, volunteers, carers, neighbours and community leaders. Yet barriers such as inaccessible streets, limited transport, poor information, or a lack of confidence, can make it harder to participate in community life and share those contributions.

For this International Day of Older People, taking place in a month’s time, we want to celebrate those contributions while highlighting the importance of removing the barriers that prevent older people from exploring what's on their doorstep.

What is important to have on our doorsteps?

When we spoke to older people across the country about this, the answers were as varied as the communities they live in.

For some, what matters most is staying active. People talked about coastal walks, parks, Tai Chi, and opportunities to be creative. One person told us:

Another person explained how attending health walks designed for older people helped them feel more confident trying other activities nearby.

Others valued community hubs where there is "stuff for everybody" alongside libraries, banking services and coffee socials.  

But for others it wasn’t about organised activities, it was about the people on our doorstep – the friends, family and neighbours. One woman spoke warmly about the importance of simple everyday interactions, recalling a ten-minute conversation with a member of staff at their local building society that left them feeling uplifted and valued.

The things that connect us on our doorsteps  

When we talk about what’s on our doorsteps, we're not only talking about places within walking distance.

Transport plays a huge role. One person we spoke to described meeting a friend of more than 50 years halfway between East London and Herne Bay using their Freedom Pass:

Others spoke about the importance of digital connections. One woman told us that she sometimes struggles to leave the house and so online exercise classes help her stay active and connected: 

Mobile services, community transport, digital activities and accessible public transport can all extend what is on someone's doorstep.

Accessing services via the letterbox

Having opportunities nearby is only part of the picture.

People can't access services, activities and support if they don't know they exist.

Several older people described to us how difficult it can be to find information about local opportunities.

As one person put it:

While online information can be helpful, it doesn't work for everyone. People told us about the impact that libraries, community noticeboards, local magazines and printed information that arrives through the letterbox have on their lives.

Awareness matters. Even the most welcoming activity, service or community space can only make a difference if people know it's there.

More than a place

This International Day of Older People, we're inviting people to think differently about what's on their doorstep.

It's not just the buildings, activities and services around us. It's the transport that gets us there. It's the information that helps us find opportunities. It's the neighbours, friends, volunteers and family members who support us. It's the activities that come into our homes when we can't get out. And it's the everyday interactions that help us feel connected and valued.

Ultimately, what's on our doorstep is about connection. No matter how we access our communities, or how communities reach us, the things that matter most are the relationships we build, the support we receive and the opportunities we have to participate in the places we call home.