Holistic Health Awareness: Co-Designing a Pilot Programme for Ageing in Place

This collaborative project supports healthy ageing by empowering older adults to live well in their communities. It brings together UL researchers, Bergerie Trust staff, and older adults to co-design a sustainable, practical programme rooted in real needs. Starting from a UL Engage networking event, the team used participatory methods like a World Café to ensure older adults’ voices shape priorities and values. The initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on health and lifelong learning, aiming to reduce inequalities and promote engagement. By integrating into existing services, this model seeks to scale and create meaningful opportunities for ageing in place. 

Older adults want to remain independent and connected in their communities, but many face barriers to health and wellbeing. Our project addresses these challenges by co-designing a programme that promotes holistic health and lifelong learning. We aim to reduce inequalities and empower older adults to age in place with confidence. This work aligns with global priorities, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals on health and education, and responds to local needs identified through participatory engagement. By focusing on real experiences and aspirations, we hope to create practical solutions that improve quality of life and support healthy ageing.

This initiative is a partnership between UL researchers from Allied Health, Nursing and Midwifery, and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, alongside Bergerie Trust CLG staff and older adults themselves. The collaboration began through UL Engage and The Wheel, fostering a multidisciplinary team committed to participatory research. Older adults are central to the process, shaping priorities and values through activities like the World Café. Our advisory group includes community representatives and service providers, ensuring the programme reflects lived experience and can integrate into existing supports. Together, we are building a model rooted in trust and collaboration.

Progress so far includes successful co-design workshops, strong engagement from older adults, and clear identification of priorities for ageing in place. We measure success through both process and outcomes: participation rates, satisfaction surveys, and qualitative feedback will assess inclusivity and relevance. Continuous reflection and input from our advisory group will guide improvements. By combining participatory evaluation with practical metrics, we aim to ensure the programme is effective, scalable, and sustainable for the community.