Information, support and good company at the Meeting Café
The Meeting Café was created on the initiative of older adults themselves. It now brings people together once a month, offering both useful information and good company.
A Meeting Café for older adults is held once a month at the Iso Omena shopping centre in Espoo. It is a welcoming, easy-to-access place where people can meet. Its main aims are to encourage social interaction, prevent loneliness and provide peer support.
The Meeting Café was launched at the beginning of 2025 following a suggestion from members of a client panel.
“From the outset, our aim was to create an easy-to-access meeting place where older adults could meet one another and easily obtain information about different services. For the wellbeing services county, the café is a way of bringing services closer to people’s everyday lives. Instead of having to seek out services themselves, people can meet professionals in an easily accessible location,” says Anna Kähönen from the Senior Info counselling service.
The Meeting Café is organised in cooperation with the wellbeing services county, the city, the library, the parish and various organisations. It also gives organisations and other partners an opportunity to get to know one another and strengthen their cooperation.
Current topics attract visitors
Each Meeting Café session has its own theme. The themes are planned together with a range of partners, taking into account visitors’ wishes as well as current events and special theme days. Many people attend specifically because they are interested in a particular topic.
“Visitors can also speak to professionals in private. If necessary, they can be referred to other professionals for further support. They may also pick up useful tips, not only for themselves but also for a loved one or perhaps an older neighbour,” Kähönen adds.
The Meeting Café is continuously developed based on feedback collected from visitors. The aim is to ensure that visitors’ wishes are reflected in the content of future sessions.
Help and advice where you are
Everyone is welcome at the Meeting Café in Espoo. Those who are unable to attend can also obtain information about the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County’s services for older adults from Senior Info, which will be visiting different locations during the autumn.
“We would also like members of the client panel to get involved in the activities. Anyone interested can contact the Senior Info counselling service,” Kähönen says.
Meeting Café sessions in autumn 2026
The sessions take place at Iso Omena Library, with a different topic each time. Come along to listen and join the conversation.
- 15 October from 13:00 to 15:00: Bringing generations together
- 19 November from 13:00 to 15:00: Physical activity
- 17 December from 13:00 to 15:00: Library services and Christmas carols
The new Elinvoimaa ikääntyneille supplement is out now!
This article was published in the latest Elinvoimaa ikääntyneille supplement. Read more about older people's wellbeing, everyday life and available services.