Introduction to the Routledge International Handbook of Participatory Approaches in Ageing Research

How can ageing research move beyond studying older adults as “subjects” to meaningfully engaging them as co-creators of knowledge? The “International Handbook of Participatory Approaches in Ageing Research” explores this question and presents innovative participatory approaches that reshape the way researchers, practitioners, and policymakers work with and alongside older adults. Drawing on a wide range of theoretical insights and real-world projects, the talk highlights how methodologies such as inclusive research, participatory action research, co-research, and citizen science open new possibilities for amplifying the voices and lived experiences of older adults across cultural, social, and disciplinary boundaries.

The session will introduce the foundations of participatory approaches in ageing research, outlining both their promise and complexity. Through examples from projects in diverse contexts, we will see how older adults have contributed as active participants at different stages of the research cycle—from framing questions to analysing findings and shaping outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on methodological lessons, the ethics of co-creation, and the potential for participatory approaches to transform not only individual studies but the broader research and policy landscape.

By reorienting research practices toward collaborative knowledge-making, participatory approaches challenge assumptions about ageing and promote more inclusive, responsive, and empowering designs. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical insights into how such models can inform their own work—whether in academia, policy, or community practice. Ultimately, this talk showcases how involving older adults as partners rather than subjects enriches research outcomes and ensures that ageing research reflects the voices, needs, and aspirations of those most directly concerned.