Research cluster: Social aspects of ageing

About our research

People are living longer and many with long term health conditions, which has implications for requiring social care to support people to live well in their communities.

Our research group focuses on the experiences of growing older, both for individuals and communities (as well as those who work with older adults).

Our expertise includes community development, social work, physiotherapy, psychology, health and social care and social policy.

Our research focus

We are interested in diverse experiences of ageing among gender and ethnic groups, and the role that communities and services play in influencing wellbeing and social participation.

We explore ways in which the life course, cultural differences, geographical location and societal contexts interact differently for older adults.

Our research methods

We work in inclusive and participatory ways with older adults. We have expertise in:

• sensory and embodied methods
• biographical methods
• ethnography

As well as a range of other qualitative methods.

Our work continues to attract funding from a range of sources, including:

• National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
• The Economic Social Research Council
• urban and rural local authorities
• national and international charities

We work with doctoral students nationally and internationally.