Social policy and research for older citizens

It is particularly appropriate in the International Year of Older Persons for researchers and policy makers to reflect on their contributions to improving the lives of elderly citizens. rn this essay we draw on our two decades of experience as researchers with a focus on understanding the social dimensions of ageing and an interest in the role of research in informing public policy. One of the most significant changes we see over this period is the shift from an essentially paternalistic view that older people need 'experts' to identify their needs and make decisions on their behalf to widespread acceptance of older people's rights to have a say - including a right to be active participants in the policy making process. We look in particular at how the voices of elderly people themselves have come to be heard (or not) in the policy process. We begin by considering the context in which policy-relevant research is generally conducted and note some of the key research directions in this field over the past two decades. Next rue examine some of the processes through which elderly people have been engaged as participants in the policy process. These include formal consultation with government and direct Political action. We point out the particular value of focused qualitative research in giving a voice to those who are otherwise likely to be excluded from the public domain because of poverty, sickness or disability.