Research that creates real-world impact

City North created a pathway for older adults’ lived experience to influence civic and institutional action. 

For example the the April Falls Day initiative, developed from an idea proposed by a citizen-scientist reached approx 33,000 people, generated 1,116 click-throughs and supported 38 older adults to book practical sessions with health clinicians. 

Working in partnership with the City of Whittlesea, this research informed practical strategies to strengthen digital inclusion for older adults. 

The findings supported council programs, highlighted the importance of trusted community networks and contributed to new tools and resources that help organisations better understand and respond to the digital needs of older adults.

Demonstrated that involving older adults throughout the design process produces more relevant, practical and sustainable digital inclusion initiatives. 

The project reinforced co-design as a key methodology for community-centred innovation.

Shifted the conversation from digital skills alone to understanding confidence, trust and perceived risk. 

The findings have informed digital inclusion programs that better address the barriers preventing older adults from engaging with technology.

Increased understanding of how social connection contributes to healthy ageing and wellbeing. 

The research informed practical strategies that help organisations strengthen inclusion, participation and community engagement for older adults.

Challenged assumptions about how older adults learn technology by showing that digital confidence develops through trusted relationships, peer learning and ongoing support. 

This research became a foundation for later Shaping Connections projects.

The project could reshape approaches to later-life AI education and digital inclusion by informing community-based learning models that emphasise experimentation, critical judgement, peer learning and responsible AI use.

The research could help community organisations and local governments design more inclusive ways for older adults to participate in civic and community life, while identifying structural barriers that policymakers can address.

The research could help technology providers, service organisations, governments and policymakers better recognise when their services do not fit people's needs, resources or circumstances and understand where changes can be made.

It examines how these actors could use older adults' experiences to identify and revise the connected practices that contribute to misfit.

The findings could inform how AI companionship technologies are designed, marketed and governed, helping developers, service providers and policymakers support meaningful connection while protecting older adults’ autonomy, well-being and interests.

The findings could inform digital-literacy programs, aged-care services, community organisations and service design by identifying support approaches that strengthen confidence, protect autonomy and better recognise informal supporters.

The research could help AI developers, service designers, educators and policymakers understand where AI personalisation fails and design services that better reflect the diversity of older adults' circumstances, goals and learning needs.