Listening to Stakeholders and Practitioners: Recommendations for Advancing Participatory Approaches with Older Adults
Willeke van Staalduinen, AFEdemy, Academy on age-friendly environments in Europe
Stakeholders and practitioners of PAAR-Net recommend that the PAAR-Net COST Action deliver the following attributes to successfully apply participatory approaches (PAAR) with older adults in their daily practice. At first, they would like to have a clear definition of what participatory approaches with older adults are. Second, successful methods of PAAR and long-term engaging, inspiring and motivating older people are most welcome. Third, they would like to see examples of involving older people as equal partners and engaging people with dementia and other vulnerabilities. Finally, stakeholders recommend receiving an overview of the variety of successful working methods, such as spoken or written input from the participants, building and drawing with tools, photovoice, and citizen science. Stakeholders are, in return, eager to be actively involved in delivering the new scientific standards for PAAR with older adults, and the Seal of Quality, as well as the repository of good practices. Stakeholders and practitioners are individuals working in fields such as policymaking, ICT, education, health and social care, leisure and sports, and housing who deliver products, services, and policies to and for older adults.
During the summer of 2025, desk research, a survey, and interviews were conducted to explore the experiences and needs of stakeholders and practitioners applying participatory approaches with older adults. Stakeholders included professionals from policymaking, ICT, education, health and social care, leisure and sports, and housing sectors who develop products, services, and policies for older adults.
The desk research revealed diverse literature on participatory and user-centred design involving older adults, outlining both the benefits and challenges of these approaches.
The survey, completed by 79 respondents from 24 countries (42 of them non-academics), showed that most participants regularly or occasionally use participatory methods. Their main goals are to better meet older adults’ needs and empower them. However, common barriers include difficulties engaging older people and limited time and resources. Respondents expressed a strong need for practical tools, training, and examples of good practices.
The 18 follow-up interviews confirmed the diversity of participatory methods used and identified organisational, logistical, social, and psychological challenges, such as sustaining participation, addressing language barriers, combating stigma and ageism, and managing the heterogeneity of older adults. Interviewees particularly emphasised the value of accessible examples of good practices, including ways to motivate older adults, organise participatory activities, and share useful tools and standards.
