Optimizing older adult co-researchers’ involvement in PAR: proposed evaluation tool

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to share a practical evaluation tool intended to guide and support the participation of older people in PAR projects. Participatory action research (PAR) studies with older adults have been increasing over the past ten years. Scientific evidence provides key principles for PAR projects to achieve meaningful participation by older people; however, respecting the ideals of PAR is not always straightforward. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study that evaluated the involvement of nonacademic researchers in a PAR project using an evaluation tool derived from a literature review of PAR undertaken with this population (Corrado et al., 2020). The study goals were first to assess the assets and limits of the older co-researchers’ participation within the PAR project, and second to provide a revised version of the evaluation tool to support future PAR with older people. First, the authors designed an evaluation tool for nonacademic participation in PAR studies by older people that covers three main themes: older people positioned as prominent research partners; symmetrical power relations between academic and nonacademic researchers; and commitment regarding inclusiveness and long-term collaboration. Second, the authors performed an evaluation using this tool within the Active Aging with Dignity PAR Project. Findings Third, the authors used the results of this experiment to suggest improvements for an enhanced version of the evaluation tool aiming at supporting fuller involvement of older nonacademic researchers in PAR studies. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this evaluative tool is a methodological innovation in gerontology.

Codesign and Implementation of a Toolkit Supporting Community Organizations’ Intergenerational Practice: A Participatory Action Research Project

“…As for researchers, they were able to learn more about the realities of community organizations and the challenges they face in their endeavours. This is consistent with the findings of Raymond et al (2022) Additionally, the Steering Committee was very enthusiastic to notice that the impacts of the participatory action research process already went beyond the scope of the project. Indeed, the ongoing reflections in the context of the project are directly fuelling a parallel project led by Intergénérations Québec, namely the creation of a community of practice to promote networking, learning, and skills development as well as develop a common language and concerted practices in the area of intergenerational initiatives.…”

“…Participatory action research involves the "equitable participation of researchers with community members and a commitment to collaboratively address action or social transformation" (Benjamin-Thomas et al, 2018;Littlechild et al, 2014). Through this research design, the team's intention was also to mobilize the strengths, knowledge and skills of community partners, recognizing the value of their expertise in the field (Raymond et al, 2022). Participatory action research can generate opportunities for two-way learning between researchers and community partners, as well as opportunities to expand the network of all parties involved (Raymond et al, 2022).…”

“…Through this research design, the team's intention was also to mobilize the strengths, knowledge and skills of community partners, recognizing the value of their expertise in the field (Raymond et al, 2022). Participatory action research can generate opportunities for two-way learning between researchers and community partners, as well as opportunities to expand the network of all parties involved (Raymond et al, 2022). In this type of research, the outcomes must meet the needs and expectations of all parties involved (Doheny & Jones, 2020;Mey & van Hoven, 2019), be shared with interested audiences, and be likely to support the process of change in the action settings (Banks & Brydon-Miller, 2018).…”

Editorial

“…Research in gerontology and related fields not only advances our understanding of the aging process but also informs policies, health-care practices and social interventions. In this context, participatory approaches in research with older adults have emerged as a transformative paradigm, shifting the traditional researcher-subject dynamic towards a more collaborative and inclusive framework (Raymond et al , 2022). These approaches recognize the experiences and unique perspectives of older individuals, allowing them to actively contribute to the research process.…”