Log in
This case study shows how Alan Walker's internationally acclaimed research on active ageing has led to policy and practice changes locally, nationally and internationally in response to what is widely recognised as the grand societal challenge of population ageing. Walker developed the concept of active ageing which has been adopted by national governments in Quebec and Northern Ireland, national charities and Sheffield City Council, leading in each case to significant policy change which is benefiting older people. As a result of this work Walker was awarded the inaugural ESRC Impact Champion prize in 2013
Since 2009, research has been undertaken into strategies, practice and provision for active-ageing, specifically examining the mental and physical health and well-being benefits of group activities on culturally diverse older people. The main impact of this research has been the establishment of twelve Movers and Shakers groups. This has benefited approximately 500 older people. There are plans to establish four more groups in Buckinghamshire, including a group for people with learning disabilities. Outside of the County, interest in adoption of the model has been expressed by Hillingdon Borough Council and by a housing group operating in Hertfordshire.
This research addresses unprecedented demographic challenges caused by an ageing population through the development of socially inclusive products and services that enhance the quality of living of older consumers (aged 50 and over).
Welfare & inclusion
- The Brunel University research team, led by Dr Spinelli, has helped the evaluation and development of products and services that enable older people to live more independently — through enhanced mobility, assisted communication and an improved range of choice to suit individual needs.
Commercial Impacts
- The research has formed a knowledge base that the charity `Age UK' has exploited to 1) develop the AGE UK business network "Engage" (including Handicare, BSkyB, Atoc, British Telecom, Virgin and Homebase) which, through company engagement, seeks to improve products and services for older consumers and to enable the application of inclusive design processes to product and service development, marketing and training and 2) underpin the principles of AGE UK Products and Service Accreditation schemes launched in 2012 to enhance quality and choice for older consumers.
Research undertaken at Keele has made the social exclusion of older people visible to opinion- leaders and policy makers, helping to shape their perceptions of ageing. These changes in attitude have contributed to transforming provision for older people and promoting inter-generational interaction within local communities through both policy and practice, in both national and local government. The research has had a direct impact on national government policies, and has also coalesced into national campaigns to improve older people's lives. Regional impacts initially focussed on making Manchester an `age-friendly city' which has subsequently been used as a model for other local councils across the country.
This case study demonstrates the impact of an inter-related body of research, undertaken by The Open University's (OU) Centre for Ageing and Biographical Studies, upon the ways in which older people experience everyday ageism, housing and design, and end-of-life care. The research has provided evidence for charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) seeking to shape government legislation, initiate action on age-friendly environments, and to change care practice. As a result it has helped inform the UK's Equality Act 2010, new guidance on toilets in public spaces, user-friendly extra-care housing and an exemplary training programme on end-of-life care in care homes.
This body of research comprises two distinct and complementary projects that raised public awareness of attitudes towards, and representations of, gender in 21stcentury Britain. Aune and Hogan, respectively, challenged popular assumptions and stereotypes about the value of feminism for a) younger women through transformative action and text (Aune) and b) older women through film and photography (Hogan). This research is part of the unit's well-established strand of expertise addressing how gender inequalities and gendered social differences are constructed. The research highlighted gender inequalities and suggested ways they may be alleviated. Aune showcased examples of British feminist activism and Hogan used the creative arts to interrogate images of older women, challenge stereotypes and provide positive alternatives, leading to increased well-being and quality of life.