Bolder and Wiser: Participatory Appraisal for Older People.

Abstract

NHS Health Scotland funded The Royal Bank of Scotland Centre for the Older Person’s Agenda to offer a further course with older people on developing participatory appraisal skills, following the successful course run in May and June 2004. Participatory approaches to research, learning and action can help people to find out about issues in their own communities and to develop solutions with their local communities to bring about change. The use of this approach demonstrates an understanding that older people are the best experts – they are wiser - about the problems that face older people. It enables the initiation of peer research and community solutions by older people themselves. Participatory appraisal also encourages people to be bolder - to take action and to speak out about the issues that concern them. This Bolder and Wiser course was held during June of 2005. The aim of the course was to engage older people in a participatory appraisal process which is enjoyable, wholly accessible and stimulates ongoing interest and involvement in research and development activity. The objectives of the course were: 1. To identify key issues of concern for older people that can be investigated further using participatory appraisal methods. 2. Offer experiential and practical training in participatory appraisal principles and methods. 3. Develop the confidence and skills of older people to use at least five participatory appraisal methods to engage in peer research, learning and action. 4. Take the first steps towards establishing a network of older people who are adequately prepared to engage in research and development work. This report summarises the Bolder and Wiser course, giving an outline of activities, and identifying learning. Challenges and outcomes are summarised, and recommendations for further work with this group, as well as for any similar courses in the future, are presented.