Engaging with older people: evidence review

Author:
AGE UK
Publisher:
Age UK
Publication year:
2011
Pagination:
30
Place of publication:
London

Drawing on published research, this evidence review provides the theory behind engagement and provides a starting point for any community or organisation wanting to engage or involve older people in their activities. It outlines the different levels of engagement, from being consulted, to higher levels of involvement such as decision-making and agenda setting. It also identifies the benefits of participation for older people, organisations and communities as a whole. Benefits include older people having a greater sense of purpose, developing new skills, organisations getting feedback about their services, reaching groups who might not access their services; and improved relationships with communities. The review also identifies barriers and facilitators to successful engagement. Engagement is most likely to be successful when there is careful planning to overcome barriers of participation, making efforts to include people who are representative of the community, and providing feedback to participants and organisations. The review identifies a lack of published research and evaluation on engagement, especially with older people, and highlights the need for more evidence on what works well. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
older people, user participation, consultation, service users, participation, user views, literature reviews;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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