Building A Good Life For Older People In Local Communities

This report draws on participatory research involving two established networks of older people - aged between 60 and 97 - in Leeds and Hartlepool. It documents what older people, within specific local communities, value in terms of quality of life as they age. It also explores how older people as 'experts', in collaboration with research 'experts', might effect change in service development and practice to more accurately reflect older peoples' needs and priorities. Based on older people's experiences of ageing within a social and locality context, the report highlights factors that inhibit and promote healthy ageing. It makes connections between older people's day to day lives and the social and physical environment environments in which they live, contributing to our understanding of the services that are required in order to support their needs and enhance their conceptions of life quality.