Learning alliances - linking stakeholders through action research to generate social innovation for healthy aging
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | STIFTELSEN IMIT - IMIT Göteborg |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 600 000 |
| Project duration | September 2013 - March 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Learning alliances were developed in Västra Götaland with stakeholders around ageing and integration (communities, primary care, hospital, universities, civil society) generating conditions for process, organization and service innovations for managing ageing and migration. Focus groups on cross-generational needs were held with various minorities. Personnel in vård & elder care explored how the needs of a diverse aging population and relatives are taken care of, and ideas on innovations were collected on how to jointly develop solutions for better health and integration.
Results and expected effects
Municipal & regional organizations were trained to form sustainable learning alliances for participatory approach for minority elders and families in the form of social, organizational & technical innovations. Indicators, person-centered methods & tools for treating a diverse population of elders were generated. Focus groups supported elders and relatives in identifying needs, and associations created links to local communities to support ´growing old with dignity´. Research contributes to the field of aging, well-being & integration from a cross-cultural perspective.
Approach and implementation
Stakeholders were gathered in Västra Götaland: communal & regional authorities on aging, integration & health; researchers & associations. The alliances were trained in participatory action research to explore needs. Results were shared, ideas prioritized & action plans designed to deliver innovation of services, products, organization, collaboration & policies for municipalities, regions & associations. Personnel were supported in new strategies for elder immigrants & relatives, and a well-being model for person-centered care with new indicators for assessment of elders