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Our ambition is that any research about older people should include older people in its design, implementation and dissemination.
About this project
Older people have told us they want to be involved in research to make real-world change. Leeds Older People’s Forum wants to work with academics to make this possible.
We are signed up to the People’s Voices Partnership principles of engaging with communities, and we recommend that these principles be adopted when approaches are made to people and communities.
Ways older people want to be involved in research
- Shaping research questions based on lived experience
- Participating in interviews, surveys, and focus groups
- Being on an advisory board to help guide the project to avoid ageism and consider inclusivity
- Helping others take part, particularly people who are isolated, disabled, or have limited English
- Advising on research design, language, and the relevance of topics
- Sharing findings through local networks, videos, or community presentations
- Co-producing and reviewing bids, joining steering groups and planning meetings
- Encouraging others to engage, particularly from underheard or marginalised groups
Topics of interest
- Transport and mobility
- Digital exclusion and technology-enabled care
- Health, care and access
- Environment and local green solutions
- Age-friendly environments
- Housing and ageing in place
- Civic participation and community influence
Through our organisational structure, LOPF has years of experience working with community organisations, a diverse range of older people, and regional and national decision-makers.
If you are a researcher interested in working with us, speak to jo@opforum.org.uk
Our research offer:
Pre-research
Advice on the design of research to include older people and community groups:
Our staff have decades of experience working in the ageing sector, with expertise in themes such as transport, health and digital, having sat on research steering groups such as the INCLUDE Steering Group on digital inclusion.
Older people we work with have experience participating in university studies, including:
– Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (Chapel Allerton Hospital)
– NIHR-supported wellbeing studies
– Loneliness and mental health research with the Centre for Ageing Better
Support with funding applications
Inclusive involvement of older people and community organisations in the design of research, and what interests them, in addition to building pre-project trust and a shared understanding.
– LOPF is a membership organisation of 90 organisations that work with and for older people in local communities
– We have a growing database of older people who want to be involved in research
– We have opportunities outside of research that older people can be involved with, to keep their interest and trust while the academic process continues
Support and advice on research tools older people could use to be part of the research, and training sessions on how to use them.
During research
Communications and awareness raising to the older people’s community sector, as well as the age-friendly sector (local authorities, health partners, and national AF colleagues), to promote awareness of the research.
Support and check-ins with older people and community organisations involved, along with a designated space for debriefing and a named contact for support when needed.
Post research
Clear communication to older people and community organisations about how their input will be used.
Dissemination of results to policymakers and practitioners.
Support to older people to disseminate the results of the research to policy makers and practitioners, e.g.
– Organisation of events (webinars and in-person)
– Sharing of stories and/or soundbites on social media
– Creation of videos and films to share dissemination
– Podcasts including older people involved