Hosted by researchers from Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour at Loughborough University and the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Northumbria University, supported by the European Ageing Network Partnership and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, the November meeting brought together 120 community members, healthcare professionals and researchers.
Older adults from Black African and Caribbean communities are often overlooked in healthy ageing research, leading to a gap when it comes to culturally tailored, co-produced research that includes and engages these communities. This event was the first of its kind focused on healthy ageing, bringing African and Caribbean people together with researchers to explore cultural perspectives on aging, exchange knowledge, celebrate heritage and strengthen connections.
An expert panel of academic researchers and medical professionals shared insights on a variety of topics related to aging, including bone health, menopause, dementia, hearing loss and preventative health strategies. Further activities explored the importance of community for mental health and the need for continued physical activity into older age.
Discussions emphasised the need for culturally sensitive research in the key health priorities of hypertension, mental health, diabetes, sexual health, physical activity, social isolation and dementia. Participants were encouraged to share personal stories about health, family, and culture, leaving the event with proactive steps toward healthy ageing and a renewed sense of connection and empowerment.
The event also included cultural dance and spoken word performances as well as a lunch of traditional food and drink.
Loughborough University organiser Dr Hibbah Osei-Kwasi said, “The event far exceeded my expectations. I knew that with the right approach, community members would engage, and we were overwhelmed by the incredible turnout, the active participation throughout the day, and the positive feedback we continued to receive afterward.”
Co-organiser, Dr Sophia Amenyah from Northumbria University, commented, “As a member of the community myself, and leading research into ageing, the event was both an emotional and proud moment for me. It highlighted the importance of co-production and community-led research, with a focus on the priorities of our community.
“The collective learning and knowledge exchange will shape ageing research with the African and Caribbean communities, redefining a way of working together grounded in trust and mutual support."
In response to community members expressing a strong desire for more events, planning is underway to hold annual community engagements, both within the East Midlands and beyond the region.
European Ageing Network Partnership
EuroAgeNet is a collaborative initiative at the forefront of age-related research and innovation.
Led by the University of Liverpool, they are a group of world-leading institutions and experts aiming to unravel the mysteries of human ageing and, in doing so, develop groundbreaking interventions to promote and sustain healthy ageing.