An End To Ageism: Co-construction of an intersectoral action plan to optimize the health, worth, and social participation of aging Quebecers.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER:

Mélanie Levasseur (Ph.D.), University of Sherbrooke

RESEARCH TEAM:

Dany Baillargeon, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Marie Beaulieu, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Annie Carrier, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Alan Arthur Cohen, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Sylvain Giroux, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Laurie Kirouac, University of Sherbrooke, (Co-researcher)

Sébastien Lord, University of Montréal, (Co-researcher)

Christine Morin, Laval University, (Co-researcher)

André Tourigny, CHU of Québec (Integrated University Hospital Center) – Laval University, (Co-researcher)

CHAIR PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT:

N.a.

GRANTING AGENCY AND GRANT AMOUNT:

Québec Research Funds – platform of intersectoral research funding on ageing – AUDACE (Bold) program – $100,000

PROJECT COMPLETION DATES:

September 2019 to September 2020

ROLE OF CHAIR IN THE PROJECT:

Co-researcher

RESEARCH PROBLEM:

The aging of society presents a significant challenge to optimizing health, social participation, and respect for human rights and ensuring collective well-being and equality. Many innovative and effective strategies are in place to maintain the personal and collective capacities of older adults. However, despite the potential to transform society, notably by older adults, the efficiency of these strategies is mitigated by a disturbing reality: ageism.

GOAL OF THE PROJECT OR RESEARCH QUESTION:

Realized by and for older adults and supported by a substantial intersectoral network, the goal of this project is a complete break with ageism.

OBJECTIVES:

The project specifically aims to :

• Co-construct a shared vision of the role, the implication and the place that older adults should have in society;
• Elaborate, from a global, holistic and ecosystemic perspective, an action plan to transform this vision into a reality;
• Explore the feasibility, i.e., the facilitators, obstacles and essential conditions, to implement the prioritized actions;

Estimate the potential benefits to the population’s health by successfully implementing this action plan, i.e., a reduction in chronic diseases, increased longevity, and reduced healthcare costs.

MEHODOLOGY:

Research-action will be realized by and for older adults, mobilizing many experts and stakeholders: older adults, intersectoral researchers from a variety of disciplines, knowledge users (especially from the community), government, and public decision-makers.

The project will include a realistic review of theoretical and empirical writings from three sectors. This review will identify not only innovative actions to reposition older adults within society but also the preferred strategies that support the implementation of these actions in a durable and socially acceptable manner.

Departing from traditional approaches, three forums of key informants, extensive public dialogue, and use of a hacker space will enable the co-construction of a common vision of the role of older adults in society. It will prioritize actions to be undertaken and explore the feasibility of their implementation.

PROJECT ADVANCEMENT:

The scientific review of the literature is on-going.

Intersectoral exchanges are suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COMMUNICATIONS:

N.a.

PUBLICATIONS:

N.a.