Community Engagement and the Well-being of Older people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Community Engagement and the Well-being of Older People
IRAS ID
328618
Contact name
Nana K Asante
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
This project seeks to address how community engagement activities affect the well-being of older people living in long-term care settings. The United Kingdom (UK) is experiencing a significant demographic shift as the population ages. The ageing population presents various challenges for health providers and policymakers (Harper and Walport, 2019). A major challenge includes the likelihood of experiencing loneliness and social isolation, even for people residing in long-term care settings In addressing social isolation and loneliness, community engagement activities are pivotal, providing mental stimulation and social connection, as well as fostering a sense of meaning and purpose. While some research has indicated that some activities can improve residents' general health and cognitive function, it is unknown how various forms of community engagement activities could interact with residents living with and without dementia in long-term care facilities, making this study important.
This study will be informed by an ethnographic research design. Ethnographic research is mainly includes observing participants, interviewing participants, and reviewing documents for data. However, this study will not include a review of documents to preserve the confidentiality and privacy of participants.
This research will be conducted in a care organisation situated in northwest England, providing nursing, dementia, and residential care for its customers. This care setting is supporting and has invested in the studentship underpinning this PhD study. Therefore, individuals eligible to be included in this study must reside or be employed in this organisation. Also, both residents living with and without dementia, as well as health care and social care staff, will be included in this study. This study will last about 8 months, and it will include two phases of data collection. During each phase, participants who consent to be included will undergo observation and interviews with me.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
25/IEC08/0029
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion