International Longevity Centre Global Alliance - Designing the Future of Ageing

23 December 2025

Older adult participation provides unique insights, strengthens democratic processes, and enhances ownership of initiatives. Practical approaches like the FIRST model support meaningful engagement in policy, care, and research.

Tineke Abma, Executive director of Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Professor of Older Adult Participation at the LUMC, and Professor of Art and Care at the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, highlights three key reasons why older adult participation is essential: substantive, normative, and pragmatic.

Substantively, older adults provide invaluable knowledge derived from their personal experiences of growing older. These include navigating loss, limitations, and changing responsibilities, as well as reflecting on life with gratitude. This knowledge complements professional expertise, such as medical understanding of age-related conditions, by offering insights into lived realities – what anthropologists describe as the emic perspective, or understanding from within. Such participation ensures policies, care, and research are responsive to actual needs and aspirations.

Normatively, participation is rooted in democratic principles. Legislation such as the Dutch Clients’ Participation Act ensures older adults have a voice in strategic decisions within care and welfare institutions. Having a meaningful voice not only empowers individuals but also strengthens decision-making processes.

Pragmatically, collaborating with older adults taps into their ideas and networks. When older adults contribute to solutions and plans, they develop a sense of ownership and are more likely to support and advocate for these initiatives.

To facilitate effective participation, Abma recommends the FIRST model, which stands for Facilitating, Identifying, Respect, Support, and Tasks. This approach emphasises structured facilitation, identifying relevant participants and their expertise, valuing contributions, providing support, and clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Practical examples include the Council of Older Adults advising the Dutch Minister of Health, participatory projects in care homes, and research using the Photovoice method to engage underrepresented groups, including older adults with migration backgrounds or low literacy. In Amsterdam, this approach helped a group of older migrant women form a strong community called the Daring Perseverers, committed to supporting others in their neighbourhoods.

Abma also stresses lessons from practice: avoid “participation greenwashing,” ensure diverse representation beyond the usual participants, and engage directly with older adults rather than making assumptions about their willingness or ability to participate. True participation begins early, fosters inclusivity, and recognises the expertise of older adults throughout the process.

You can also watch the video in which Tineke Abma shares her insights on older adult participation:
Professor Tineke Abma about participation of older adults, English version

ILC Netherlands