Researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Antioquia, Colombia, have piloted a pioneering intervention for communities who have lived through the devastating impacts of La Violencia, a war that has lasted for more than six decades.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the region, addresses the unique challenges faced by older adults in Turbo, Colombia, who have lived through decades of armed conflict. The intervention seeks to address the long-lasting psychological and social effects of La Violencia-a period of brutal conflict in Colombia's history - marking a crucial first step toward providing meaningful, community-driven support for these survivors.
Researchers recognised older adults in the region of Turbo, Colombia, endured forced displacement, loss of loved ones, and extreme violence but have limited access to mental health resources and face social stigma, as is the case across many parts of Colombia. Led by researchers from the University of Liverpool, the University of Antioquia, and local stakeholders including mental health staff from the Mayor's Office of Turbo and young volunteers, the intervention involved 18 older adults over a 12-week period.
The sessions, held twice weekly, included social engagement, educational workshops, physical activities, and peer support-all tailored to the cultural and historical context of Turbo. The results have been documented in a paper published in the International Journal for Equity in Health.
Dr Clarissa Giebel, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Population Health said: "La Violencia and subsequent decades of conflict have profoundly shaped the lives of Colombia's older generation. This study is a vital first step in addressing the mental health and social isolation stemming from those experiences and shifting the focus in society on the needs of its older generation."
Key highlights from the programme included Bullerengue music sessions - Bullerengue is a musical and dance practice of Afro-Colombian origin. Group members also joined reminiscence workshops, sharing stories from their past, including memories of La Violencia. 72% of participants completed the program and significantly, participants reported reduced feelings of loneliness, stronger social bonds, and renewed intergenerational connections. One participant reflected: "We told stories, remembering the war and the times when there was no war. Sharing those moments with others helped me feel less alone."
Mg María Isabel Zuluaga, Senior Researcher fellow at the University of Antioquia, Colombia said: "The intervention's co-production approach was central to its success. Older adults, family carers, community leaders, and local psychologists collaborated to design a program that met the specific needs of Turbo's older population. By involving survivors of La Violencia and their communities in the intervention's design, we ensured it was both meaningful and accessible.
"Now we will continue to work to refine the further and expand it to other regions of Colombia. This study offers a blueprint for addressing the mental health needs of older adults in conflict-affected regions. By drawing on the strength of communities and the resilience of those who lived through La Violencia, it sets the stage for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries."
The findings from the intervention have been published in a paper titled 'Addressing unmet mental health needs of older adults in Turbo, Colombia: A multi-component psychosocial intervention feasibility study' in the International Journal for Equity in Health (DOI:10.1186/s12939-025-02381-x)
