Cost Action 22167
Testimonials
GP1 Testimonials

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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