Cost Action 22167
Testimonials
GP1 Testimonials
My visit to STSM was hosted by Professor Florez-Revuelta at the Permanent University of Alicante (Spain), where we explored the challenges encountered by older adults in online learning environments and investigated potential solutions supported by artificial intelligence. A meeting was also convened with the dean of the Permanent University of Alicante, during which we obtained information regarding the operational processes of universities designed for older adults.
One of the aims of PAAR-Net is to actively include stakeholders in the work and deliverables of the Action. We started to identify relevant stakeholders and by involving them in Knowledge Exchange Events. There was a further need to systemise the opinions of stakeholders, such as policymakers, ICT designers, care providers and educators on their involvement in PAAR and PAAR-Net and what they would need from the scientific community to apply participatory approaches successfully.
The aim of my STSM experience “Learning by Doing a Scoping Review on Participatory Interventions for Promoting Healthy Cognitive Aging” was both to progress from theoretical methodological guidance to hands-on experience in performing scoping reviews, and to deepen knowledge with respect to the meaningful involvement of older adults in participatory research on healthy cognitive ageing. This, by also holding meetings with other researchers, delivering presentations and disseminating information about the PAAR-net activities.
During the STSM the aim was to fulfil the aims and objectives of the research, to exchange knowledge with peer colleagues in the research domain and to discuss ideas for future projects. All research activities were carried out according to the plan and findings are intended to be published in a journal with impact factor.
Thanks to the excellent support of my host, Eva Grigoriadou (URBANA, Athens), the STSM was successfully carried out as planned. URBANA’s experience in community-based initiatives—such as the project Athens: A City for All Ages, implemented in the diverse neighbourhood of Kypseli—provided valuable insight into participatory work with older adults.
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As part of an event organised during the STSM by our host, Professor Eleanor Bantry White, we had many interesting conversations with other researchers in Ireland, older collaborators, and community organisations. Inspired by these talks, we started a literature review that examines the discourses of technologies and participatory approaches in later life.
At the Socio-Gerontechnology Network (SGN) 2024 Annual Meeting in Vienna, I presented my poster titled “Tech Mentoring to an Older Adult in an Extraordinary Condition: A Participatory Research Approach.” This study highlights the transformative potential of tailored technology mentoring in extraordinary circumstances, such as post-disaster recovery. The event provided me with a fantastic opportunity to meet both early-career and senior researchers in socio-gerontechnology. The conference not only enhanced my professional visibility but also deepened my resolve to continue contributing to PAAR teams and collaborative efforts in this impactful research domain.
During my STSM experience, “Building Intergenerational Networks within Civil Society,” I aimed to foster collaboration between practitioners and researchers. Engaging with social workers and organizations, I explored the ageing experiences of immigrant communities and the varying needs of different generations in the context of digitalization and multicultural environments. Moving forward, I plan to conduct ethnographic research on first-generation Turkish immigrants in Frankfurt or continue exploring womanhood and girlhood experiences through participatory approaches, inspired by initial interviews from the STSM. Read the testimonial
The grant facilitated an interdisciplinary and international collaboration with researchers Marion met through her involvement in Working Group 2 “Community and Place” of the PAAR-net COST Action. Drawing on their respective research, the team developed an innovative method to engage attendees in meaningful discussions during the workshop. The workshop has been accepted at the prestigious European Conference for Social Work Research (ECSWR), reflecting PAAR-net’s commitment to advancing knowledge in participatory approaches. Read the testimonial
This VMG facilitated the work on a scoping review of reviews on Participatory approaches with older adults in technology and innovation research. The VMG allowed me to take more initiative in the collaboration and motivated me to continue working on this project. In Doing so, together with many other members of our working group, we were able to advance this timely scoping review, and we are currently in advanced phases of analysing selected papers and hope to publish this soon. I would encourage others as well to take advantage of this fantastic grant opportunity to motivate and facilitate such research exchanges. Read the testimonial
Receiving the PAAR-Net Virtual Mobility (VM) enabled me to develop a methodological companion to support practitioners in adopting participatory methods when working with socially excluded older adults. This guide, titled “Empowering Voices and Experiences of Socially Excluded Older Adults – A Participatory Research Companion”, shall equip professionals with practical tools, strategies, and insights aimed at fostering inclusive environments and enabling active participation for older marginalized individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, isolation, or ageism. The companion will be made available at: https://www.cost.eu/about/strategy/open-access/
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