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4. Co-creation in age-friendly communities
Co-creation is one of the core principles in creating age-friendly communities. It entails engaging people in co-creating their living environments by emphasising listening, participation, and collaborative problem-solving to address actual needs.
In her introduction, moderator Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan pointed out that the concept of co-creation may sound simple, but in reality, it is often complex, and there is much to learn from successful examples.
In her introduction, moderator Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan pointed out that the concept of co-creation may sound simple, but in reality, it is often complex, and there is much to learn from successful examples.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe, Tori Rural Municipality Architect, Estonia: Joyful Co-Creation in Jõesuu: Age-Friendly by Design
“Test before you invest” was the overarching idea of Jõesuu Village Day, organised in the small Estonian village of Jõesuu. The idea was to gather the entire village, not just the people who usually show up or express an opinion, to test practical solutions to improve the village's public spaces.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe described Jõesuu Village Day as a living laboratory where all ages co-created. The event broke down barriers and encouraged genuine dialogue between younger and older residents. In uncertain times, age-friendliness is part of strengthening community resilience. Hansumäe cited the Self-Determination Theory, which posits that human motivation and self-determination are strongly linked to feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
– What matters most to me is that these are all ageless needs. Everyone requires autonomy, competence, and relatedness, just in different forms. When we support these needs in urban planning, participation increases, well-being improves, and communal resilience strengthens. Conversely, neglecting these needs causes people to withdraw and become distrustful.
– What matters most to me is that these are all ageless needs. Everyone requires autonomy, competence, and relatedness, just in different forms. When we support these needs in urban planning, participation increases, well-being improves, and communal resilience strengthens. Conversely, neglecting these needs causes people to withdraw and become distrustful.
Jõesuu Village Day was organised in a single afternoon. The programme included small think tanks for both active and passive participation. The day also included playful activities for people of all ages, ranging from outdoor gyms and food to live music and workshops with the local firefighters.
– The idea was that people could take part just by being there. They weren’t expected to do anything. We also had memory gathering corners where we collected stories about the village’s past. We wanted to make it almost impossible for the villagers not to participate; 260 people live in Jõesuu, and 200 participated.
Ideas from local residents were collected on postcards and maps, allowing people to draw or place stickers. They could mark the best spot for a bench or bus stop, or indicate a path that feels unsafe.
– Importantly, people could see and experience potential solutions instantly instead of just hearing about them in a fancy PowerPoint presentation. This is what we mean by “test before invest”: we test ideas quickly, cheaply, and collaboratively. We learn what works and what doesn't. And only then do we plan more permanent solutions.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe mentioned that for those who have spent most of their lives feeling that the government makes decisions and they must adapt, this was a new experience. This is especially true for the older generation who grew up during Soviet times, as they tend to feel cynical and doubt their ability to influence government decisions.
– These small choices were very powerful: this is your place, your preferences matter.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe noted that architects often use highly technical language, which can alienate people. This issue was intentionally addressed at Jõesuu Village Day, where the questions were straightforward: Is this bench comfortable for you? Can you move safely from the bench to the bus stop? Hansumäe pointed out that questions like these make people feel more confident and competent in answering questions about planning.
– By arranging Jõesuu Village Day, we told the participants that you are not a problem to be managed, you are a partner in shaping this place.
– The idea was that people could take part just by being there. They weren’t expected to do anything. We also had memory gathering corners where we collected stories about the village’s past. We wanted to make it almost impossible for the villagers not to participate; 260 people live in Jõesuu, and 200 participated.
Ideas from local residents were collected on postcards and maps, allowing people to draw or place stickers. They could mark the best spot for a bench or bus stop, or indicate a path that feels unsafe.
– Importantly, people could see and experience potential solutions instantly instead of just hearing about them in a fancy PowerPoint presentation. This is what we mean by “test before invest”: we test ideas quickly, cheaply, and collaboratively. We learn what works and what doesn't. And only then do we plan more permanent solutions.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe mentioned that for those who have spent most of their lives feeling that the government makes decisions and they must adapt, this was a new experience. This is especially true for the older generation who grew up during Soviet times, as they tend to feel cynical and doubt their ability to influence government decisions.
– These small choices were very powerful: this is your place, your preferences matter.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe noted that architects often use highly technical language, which can alienate people. This issue was intentionally addressed at Jõesuu Village Day, where the questions were straightforward: Is this bench comfortable for you? Can you move safely from the bench to the bus stop? Hansumäe pointed out that questions like these make people feel more confident and competent in answering questions about planning.
– By arranging Jõesuu Village Day, we told the participants that you are not a problem to be managed, you are a partner in shaping this place.
Helle-Triin Hansumäe said this concept will be used in other municipalities in the future.
Emma Matsson, Development manager for Age-friendly Gothenburg, Sweden: Future developers in Gothenburg - shaping tomorrow's society together
By engaging and involving senior citizens in the development of the city, Gothenburg has gained new and unique perspectives. In her presentation, Emma Matsson explained the concept of “Future developers”: a group of older residents across Gothenburg who voluntarily assist public and civic actors in creating a more age-friendly city and contribute to the city’s development.
– The initial idea was to form a group of senior citizens that could follow the age-friendly initiatives and contribute in a more practical way, and support municipal departments, administrations, and companies in this work.
– The initial idea was to form a group of senior citizens that could follow the age-friendly initiatives and contribute in a more practical way, and support municipal departments, administrations, and companies in this work.
The Future developers were recruited through information meetings, local radio, social gatherings, and at grocery stores and pharmacies across the city. From the 200 volunteers, a group of 30 future developers was formed, comprising people from diverse backgrounds and across all parts of Gothenburg. At the moment, the group has shrunk to 17, but plans to recruit more are underway.
The strategic impact of the group has been to provide user-driven insights into decision-making at all levels. It has also strengthened participation and co-creation and built stronger connections between the older residents and the city administration.
– The future developers are just one way we work with seniors, but it is a great way for fast and close cooperation. The Future developers are asked for more and more frequently. The Future developers themselves tell us all the time that it feels really good to be useful and that they feel they are doing something important, which is also an important aspect of the project, Emma Matsson explains.
Once a month, the Future developers meet with various city stakeholders to discuss their ideas.
– The future developers are just one way we work with seniors, but it is a great way for fast and close cooperation. The Future developers are asked for more and more frequently. The Future developers themselves tell us all the time that it feels really good to be useful and that they feel they are doing something important, which is also an important aspect of the project, Emma Matsson explains.
Once a month, the Future developers meet with various city stakeholders to discuss their ideas.
– For example, they serve as reference groups for administrations, companies, and research. They act as test pilots for new and existing services and places, and they are invited to panel discussions and dialogues. They are initiators of their own projects within the age-friendly framework, and a valuable resource for us in our strategic work.
Examples of some projects where the Future developers have been involved include an information campaign for older people on where to find help with digital issues, promoting digital inclusion. They have also visited parts of the city undergoing construction, providing on-site feedback on the development. The Future developers have also been contributing to think tanks, participating in conferences, working with local Pride organisers, and acting as a vehicle for information dissemination among senior citizens in the city, for instance, regarding how to join a free physical or cultural activity.
Examples of some projects where the Future developers have been involved include an information campaign for older people on where to find help with digital issues, promoting digital inclusion. They have also visited parts of the city undergoing construction, providing on-site feedback on the development. The Future developers have also been contributing to think tanks, participating in conferences, working with local Pride organisers, and acting as a vehicle for information dissemination among senior citizens in the city, for instance, regarding how to join a free physical or cultural activity.
I highly recommend working with a group of seniors like this. We learn a lot from them, and they also gain a lot of insight about the municipality. The most important thing is to build relationships, and by doing so, you create a great potential for the whole city.
Emma Matsson, Development manager for age-friendly Gothenburg, Sweden
Sigrun Gaard Steinsøy, Adviser, Torill Håkonsen & Kurt Arne Gimre, Life Quality Project 65+, Sola Municipality, Norway: Life Quality Project 65+
The Life Quality Project 65+ in the Norwegian municipality of Sola began by asking older residents four questions: What is important to you? How do you spend your time? Who do you want to spend your time with? Where will you live?
– Since 2019, the municipality has invited residents aged 65+ to an annual meeting. The municipality shares information on important topics and future challenges. Local activity groups are present. Every year, a new group of “Sixty fivers” is established. They make activity plans for the year to come, based on what is important to them, Sigrun Gaard Steinsøy explained.
– Since 2019, the municipality has invited residents aged 65+ to an annual meeting. The municipality shares information on important topics and future challenges. Local activity groups are present. Every year, a new group of “Sixty fivers” is established. They make activity plans for the year to come, based on what is important to them, Sigrun Gaard Steinsøy explained.
The annual meetings give entire year groups of residents a place to meet and engage in dialogue. Torill Håkonsen was one of the members of the first 65+ group in 2019. She is still excited about the project as a way of finding meaningful things to do in life after retirement from the workforce.
– Everyone who attends the annual meeting is introduced to different activity groups, such as outdoor activities and sports, arts and crafts, gardening, senior university, local history groups, and many others. They receive information on where and when to meet.
Torill Håkonsen underscores the project’s social aspect.
Torill Håkonsen underscores the project’s social aspect.
– In my professional work, I have encountered many lonely and deeply depressed people. I have also witnessed the magic of doing things together and how individuals gradually come back to life.
Torill Håkonsen, Life Quality Project 65+, Sola Municipality, Norway
The municipality of Sola contributes to the project by providing venues and disseminating information. According to Torill Håkonsen, the project is a success; many activity groups have reported increases in membership, and new groups are being established.
The municipality of Sola contributes to the project by providing venues and disseminating information. According to Torill Håkonsen, the project is a success; many activity groups have reported increases in membership, and new groups are being established.
Kurt Arne Gimre heard about the project in 2022. For him, three major factors stood out: the social aspect, the movement and activity component, and awareness of diet and food.
– The essence of the project is quality of life. The importance of meeting people cannot be emphasised enough; we all need someone to talk to. Movement, activity and training are important for all age groups, but maybe even more so when you get older, Kurt Arne Gimre said.
– The essence of the project is quality of life. The importance of meeting people cannot be emphasised enough; we all need someone to talk to. Movement, activity and training are important for all age groups, but maybe even more so when you get older, Kurt Arne Gimre said.
Sigrun Gaard Steinsøy explained that her authority as a representative of the municipality takes a back seat when engaging with the participants of Project 65+. She is very mindful about the language she uses and trusts the process rather than trying to control it.
– In many ways, the process is the goal. I want to spread the message that it is important to connect with this age group. The possibilities are endless when we are in it together.
– In many ways, the process is the goal. I want to spread the message that it is important to connect with this age group. The possibilities are endless when we are in it together.
Paolo Caserotti, Professor, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark: Co-designing interventions to improve physical activity and nutritional habits with older citizens: challenges and possibilities
Co-designing interventions with target groups is a vital approach. In his presentation, Paolo Caserotti emphasised that it must be used cautiously. When involving a target group in creating solutions, strict standards are essential to guarantee genuine inclusiveness and that all voices are equally heard.
Paolo Caserotti heads the EnRICH-HABITS project, which uses a co-design approach to tackle physical inactivity and malnutrition in older adults. Physical inactivity is a significant health risk for seniors, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. The project has created a practical framework to identify and evaluate possible biases in the co-design process.
Caserotti identified six main challenges to consider during the co-design process. The first is the risk of hearing only from the “usual suspects”, leading to selection bias and limited representativeness, where only the strongest voices are heard.
– This is a major, major problem. We give enormous democratic power to the citizens. But this power has to be distributed among the different socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic groups.
The second challenge involves a power imbalance in which a highly influential individual, often the researcher, retains the authority to overrule the group's opinions. As researchers, we need to recognise when to step back and let the citizens speak, Caserotti argues.
The third challenge relates to practical physical and cognitive limitations. A frail individual might not be able to participate fully in a demanding research process, raising questions about representativeness. The fourth challenge concerns digital tools.
– This is a major, major problem. We give enormous democratic power to the citizens. But this power has to be distributed among the different socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic groups.
The second challenge involves a power imbalance in which a highly influential individual, often the researcher, retains the authority to overrule the group's opinions. As researchers, we need to recognise when to step back and let the citizens speak, Caserotti argues.
The third challenge relates to practical physical and cognitive limitations. A frail individual might not be able to participate fully in a demanding research process, raising questions about representativeness. The fourth challenge concerns digital tools.
We often use digital tools, but they require some digital literacy, which can become an issue.
Paolo Caserotti, Professor, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark
The fifth challenge relates to evaluation and generalisability. Once a model is developed, can it be scaled or transferred without needing a new co-design process? Paolo Caserotti gives the example of an outdoor physical activity park that might work in Spain, but as a concept, would need adaptations before being implemented in Denmark.
The final challenge concerns issues related to behavioural change. The co-design group might propose methods that lack scientific support or are influenced by social norms related to ageism.
By highlighting these biases in co-design, the EnRICH-HABITS project has developed a practical framework to support more transparent, inclusive, and robust development of behaviour-change interventions.
The fifth challenge relates to evaluation and generalisability. Once a model is developed, can it be scaled or transferred without needing a new co-design process? Paolo Caserotti gives the example of an outdoor physical activity park that might work in Spain, but as a concept, would need adaptations before being implemented in Denmark.
The final challenge concerns issues related to behavioural change. The co-design group might propose methods that lack scientific support or are influenced by social norms related to ageism.
By highlighting these biases in co-design, the EnRICH-HABITS project has developed a practical framework to support more transparent, inclusive, and robust development of behaviour-change interventions.
– Co-design is a very relevant and powerful democratic tool, but we need to be careful how we distribute this tool so it represents the entire community. We need to conduct internal and external evaluations, also involving citizens who were not part of the co-design process.
