Improving active ageing and wellbeing in urban environments: laying the groundwork for solution-building through citizen science

Oral Presentation B2.7

Authors

  • Grace Wood University of Birmingham
  • Jessica Pykett University of Birmingham
  • Abby King Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Ann Banchoff Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Afroditi Stathi University of Birmingham

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.492

Keywords:

Older Adults, Co-Production, Age-Friendly, Urban Health

Abstract

Background: Community-engaged citizen science recognises older adults as key stakeholders in designing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives that support age-friendly urban environments. Purpose: To engage older adults and other stakeholders in identifying actionable urban characteristics influencing active ageing in Birmingham, UK. Methods: Participants aged 60 and over were recruited via local community organisations and services. Experts in urban planning and ageing-well services were recruited via targeted e-mail invitations. Online group discussions were conducted. Data was thematically analysed and checked by interviewees. Results: Four older adult (n=17; Mean age= 72(7.5 SD); 11 women) and two stakeholder (n=11; 7 women) online group discussions identified 13 barrier and 8 facilitator themes. Ageism, winter, and safety were identified as barriers by both groups whereas outdoor spaces and infrastructure, transportation, community facilities, and the Covid-19 pandemic were identified as barriers and/or facilitators. Older adults identified ageing as a key barrier and diversity of the city, health and mobility and technology as facilitators. For stakeholders, key barriers were: deprivation and poverty, gender differences, and race and ethnicity whereas  age inclusive activities were a key facilitator Conclusion: The range and interaction of urban characteristics acting as barriers and facilitators highlights the potential importance of community-engaged citizen science in developing place-based changes to promote active ageing. In the context of a global pandemic, employing online discussion groups allowed meaningful first-stage engagement of citizen scientists to begin generating community-driven solutions for improving community health. Funding: University of Birmingham.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Wood, G., Pykett, J., King, A., Banchoff, A., & Stathi, A. (2021). Improving active ageing and wellbeing in urban environments: laying the groundwork for solution-building through citizen science: Oral Presentation B2.7. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.492

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