Translating Research into Action: involving older people in co-producing knowledge about age-friendly neighbourhood intervention

Purpose – Developing what has been termed “age-friendly” cities has become a significant issue for public policy. To date, however, there is limited knowledge about how older people can be involved in the co-production of age-friendly initiatives. The TranslatingResearch into Action project worked with a group of older co-researchers who examined the age-friendliness of their neighbourhood, with the aim of translating thefindingsintopracticeandpolicyrecommendationsthatcanhelpimprovethequalityoflifeofolderpeople in urban neighbourhoods. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper synthetises the data collected through focus groups, interviews conducted by co-researchers and a public dissemination event. The analysis focussed on identifying the suggestionsfor action and change that could improve the social and physical environment for older people in urban neighbourhoods. Findings – Physical and social issues were found to be contingent on each other and mutually reinforcing, andshouldthereforenotbeconsideredinisolation.However,thefindingshighlightedphysicalenvironmental issues as a major concern; transport was a dominant overarching theme. Research limitations/implications – Three key areas in need of improvement when developing local level age-friendlypoliciesandpracticesarediscussed:improvinganddiversifyingcommunicationandinformation; promoting accessibility; and, ensuring a range of meeting opportunities for different groups. Originality/value – The paper illustrates how co-produced research can be translated into age-friendly interventions, and will be of interest to a wide range of local and (inter)national organisations wishing to research and provide advocacy to older people.