Older People as Peer Researchers in Ageing Research: nuisance or necessity?

Abstract

Through a critical lens, this chapter draws on methodological considerations in the involvement of older people in research about themselves and discusses the promises and pitfalls. It first draws upon the conception and rationale of using participatory peer research method in ageing research, and then focuses on how the principles are operationalized, highlighting the strategic risks and dilemmas. The relevant practical and methodological challenges/dilemmas are discussed with critical analyses in the current practices of the participatory research method, including the operationalization of participation, the conflicts of experiential knowledge and scientific knowledge, impacts on research quality, commitments of peer researchers and ethical considerations. Some exemplars of gerontological research carried out with older adults are used to illustrate how and to what extent this approach has been utilized.