Millions of older people go days – or weeks – without being touched by another person.
This is not just loneliness. It is a physiological crisis. And touch has nearly disappeared from professional care, volunteering, and daily life.
THE GAP
Physical touch has become taboo in professional settings — despite being a fundamental human need at every age and a documented factor in health and longevity.
THE CONSEQUENCE
Social isolation and nervous system dysregulation deepen silently. Carers and volunteers lack tools. Older people lose access to one of the most basic forms of human connection.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Structured, ethical, consent-based touch can be taught and scaled — into volunteering, care homes, family carer networks, and professional practice, across all of Europe.
Who we are
Auvo Academy is a Finnish pioneer in ethical touch education and practice. We train practitioners in the AUVO® method — a structured, music-guided, fully clothed relaxation experience — and offer education programmes on the science, ethics, and practice of touch for broader audiences.
Our academic partner is Docent Taina Kinnunen, a leading researcher on touch, embodiment, cultural perspectives, and ethics. We currently operate in the Nordic countries and are actively seeking European partners.
Choose the track that fits your organisation
Touch Education —
Workshops & Lectures
Research-backed education on touch, presence, and human connection. Co-developed with Docent Taina Kinnunen. Delivered online — available anywhere in Europe from day one. No travel needed, no local infrastructure required.
A 2-hour webinar
For older people, family carers, volunteers, or the general public. Why touch matters, what its absence costs, and how to begin — grounding and immediately useful.
A deeper workshop
For care workers, social workers, coaches, or therapists. Explores your own relationship with touch, ethical frameworks, trauma-informed practice, and how to integrate touch responsibly into professional roles.
AUVO Snap —
Practitioner Certification
The AUVO Snap is a short, structured, music-guided touch treatment delivered fully clothed. It activates the nervous system's calming response and is designed to be safe, repeatable, and meaningful — even in just a few minutes.
- Care home staff
- Home care workers
- Community coordinators
- Occupational therapists
- Family carer networks
- Health & wellbeing professionals
- Online materials + live training
- Group-based certification
- We come to your location
- Affordable — suitable for volunteers
We are actively looking for partner groups across Europe.
Organisations making a difference
Organisations running volunteer programmes for older people
Care homes or home care services open to complementary approaches
Family carer networks seeking practical wellbeing tools
Organisations developing care workforce skills
Let's build a more touching future — together
Reach out to explore how we can work with your organisation, network, or programme.
Anna Jalava
CEO & Master Trainer
Auvo Academy Ltd, Finland
