Call for research participants
Transforming Early Access to Aged Care for LGBTQIA+ Adults through Speculative Participatory Design
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Design Futures at RMIT University, I am conducting a research project focusing on the future of aged care for LGBTQIA+ adults. This research aims to contribute to the growing study and literature on designing safe, healthy, and equitable health and aging-related services for gender-diverse and sexuality-diverse people.
About the project
As the ageing population continues to rise, so does the need to recognise and respond to the health disparities and challenges of diverse older adults, often more pronounced in minorities such as older LGBTQIA+ individuals. While the number of studies about their perceptions of health and aged care is increasing, there is still a dearth of understanding of their broad experience and ageing experience. Moreover, despite the growing social acceptance of LGBTQIA+, systems and processes by mainstream institutions are still perceived with fear and threat of discrimination, keeping them from seeking help early and increasing their health risks.
The research focuses on how gender and sexuality influence the ageing experience, particularly in accessing aged care services. Additionally, it will explore the current gaps and barriers in delivering health and aged care services to gender-diverse and sexuality-diverse older adults. The primary question this research aims to answer is:' What can we learn from the experiences of LGBTQIA+ adults to rethink how early access to aged care is facilitated and delivered?
In addition, the following sub-questions will guide the investigation:
What are the current challenges and needs faced by older LGBTQIA+ adults in accessing aged care services?
In what ways can speculative participatory design facilitate alternative approaches to conceptualising and delivering aged care?
Methodology
This research methodology employs a practice-based, creative, and reflective approach divided into three phases: Understand, Make, and Reflect.
Phase One focuses on expanding current knowledge about older LGBTQIA+ adults' perceptions of accessing and using health and aged care services through expert interviews.
Phase two explores the role LGBTQIA+ adults play as they assume a co-designer role in creating transformative pluralistic futures for accessing health and aged care services.
Phase Three involves evaluating the outcomes of the previous phases through practice-based reflection.
Interested in participating?
Fill out the form by clicking the link below (it only takes less than 2 minutes)
Got any questions?
Selected participants will be sent a consent form prepared by me and RMIT University. If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email at write@kittsantos.com or contact Dr Marius Foley (marius.foley@rmit.edu.au)