Translating policy into practice by engaging older persons and their carers as co-researchers.

Abstract

Executive Summary Health care systems are required to be responsive to changing population needs. Globally, the proportion of persons aged 60 years and over is increasing and is set to continue to grow for at least the next two decades. The Australian Government’s Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2021) identified the need to improve the delivery of health care to meet the needs of older persons and their carers. A greater involvement of older persons and their carers in research to develop solutions was recommended. Engagement of older persons and their carers in participatory health research as coresearchers is one such mechanism for this to occur. Whilst there is considerable evidence around older persons and participatory research, little guidance exists for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers around engaging older persons and their carers in participatory health research.