The WHO supports the idea that, from the outset, older people’s needs must be identified and they must be allowed to voice their opinions. Focus groups or community forums are interesting methods because they provide access to the views of the primary stakeholders affected by a complex reality, which is not always possible with other methods such as questionnaires. Discussions also allow the views of people who are more isolated and who do not usually participate in public hearings to be heard. The AFM initiative is based on older people’s experience of what works or does not work for them and the improvements needed to create a more supportive environment. Furthermore, an AFM encourages older people’s community involvement and civic participation at every stage of a project. Hence the project is not only carried out for older people, but also by older people.
Research Team
Last modified: March 24, 2014
