PAAR-net Management Committee Meeting and Opening Conference is set to take place on April 16th and 17th, 2024, both in Kraków and online. This conference marks the commencement of an innovative initiative dedicated to participatory approaches with older adults.
Day 1 Highlights:
The event kicks off with a dynamic array of activities tailored to engage both on-site and online participants. From the Young Researchers and Innovators Forum to the Older Co-creators Forum, attendees will delve into discussions shaping the future of research and policymaking with older adults. The day continues with the PAAR-net Management Committee Meeting, exclusive to committee members, followed by Working Group Meetings where experts converge to tackle critical issues in participatory approaches with older adults.
Day 2 Highlights:
The momentum carries into the second day with the Opening Conference with a series of enriching sessions on Health and Social Care, Place and Community, Technology and Innovation, and Knowledge Synthesis.
Health and Social Care session showcases innovative practices in co-creative research with older adults, including individuals living with dementia. Presentations delve into topics such as elder abuse, social exclusion, and the potential of caring communities.
Place and Community Session explores participatory approaches in diverse community settings, from rural Indian villages to migrants in institutional care settings and indigenous communities. The presentations also highlight efforts to foster social inclusion and address issues of loneliness and frailty among older adults in an inclusive framework.
Technology and Innovation Session chaired by Arlind Reuter and Alexander Kucharski, this session focused on the role of technology in enhancing the lives of older adults. Presentations cover topics ranging from participatory design in gerontechnology to the impact of technology mentoring programs on mental health. The session underscores the potential of co-created technology to address the diverse needs of older adults and promote active aging.
Knowledge Synthesis and Brainstorming Session provides reflections on the current state of participatory research with older adults. Presentations discusses the level of involvement of older adults in research and share examples of action research initiatives from different contexts.
The conference wraps up with a compelling closure by the chairs of PAAR-net, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing inclusive research and policymaking with older adults.