Empowerment or tokenism? Participatory research and technology development with older and old people

Abstract

Currently, many research and technology development projects with older people are described as "participatory." This literature-based article highlights patterns in current approaches to participatory research and technology development with older and old people. To this end, various strands of argumentation and historical lines of development are examined as well as the democracy-oriented model and the consumption-oriented approach to participation. This article goes on to set out the opportunities, challenges and criticisms associated with participatory projects. Finally, topics for future research and technology developments with older and old people are named and the questions which should be critically reflected upon when designing aparticipatory project are described.