Empowering seniors with community-based participatory research to age in place.

A BMC Geriatrics study by Pani-Harreman et al. describes a method using community-based participatory research to activate local networks that support older adults ageing in place. The paper reports qualitative work — focus groups, interviews and participatory workshops — and highlights participation, intergenerational links and adaptable feedback processes.

Researchers led by K.E. Pani-Harreman published a BMC Geriatrics study describing a method to activate local communities to support older adults ageing in place. The work uses community-based participatory research that centers older adults' voices. The study reports qualitative methods such as focus groups, interviews and participatory workshops to capture lived experiences. Authors emphasize intergenerational links, adaptable feedback loops, and attention to social and environmental determinants of health. Key points: - The study develops a method to activate vital communities to facilitate ageing in place. - It uses community-based participatory research with older adults placed at the centre of the process. - Researchers collected qualitative data through focus groups, interviews and participatory workshops. - Findings highlight participation, intergenerational relationships, mental wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging. - The approach stresses adaptability and ongoing feedback between researchers, community stakeholders and older residents. - The work has attracted interest from local governments, health organizations and community groups. Summary: The study presents a community-centered model that integrates social, environmental and economic factors to support ageing in place and elevates older adults' participation in designing interventions. It has drawn interest from local governments and health organizations as a research-informed approach with practical implications. Undetermined at this time.