ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a service provider’s perspective on rights-based research to guide innovative, evidence-informed programmes and activities. A brief review of the right to age well provides context for a more detailed discussion on rights-based research that enables authentic, meaningful engagement by older adults and those who care for them, while supporting their right to dignity, agency, and inclusion. By prioritising the expertise of those who are most affected by the process and outcomes of research, this approach is more inclusive and responsive to older adults’ needs and preferences than traditional research methods. Basic principles of rights-based research are presented, demonstrating the value of close collaboration with older adults to co-create knowledge and facilitate implementation in ways that are relevant, feasible, and sustainable. Older adults’ participation should start with the identification of research topics and include data collection and analysis, co-development of solutions, and practical strategies for meeting the explicit goal of making things better. This maximises the potential of research to inform policy and practice. The interrelated processes of research and advocacy are evident in each stage of rights-based research. The organisation’s efforts to embed rights-based research are illustrated through two case studies.
