Institutional cultures limit the influence of frail older adults'

By lill [dot] eriksson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se (Lill Eriksson) - published 1 October 2025

Person in wheel chair in institution. — Photo: Harry Cao/Unsplash

Frail older adults can participate meaningfully in research and care, when given appropriate methods and support. But institutional cultures often limit their influence and opportunities. That is revealed in a new thesis defended by Roar Hermansen Østby, University of Gothenburg.

He is affiliated to SWEAH since 2022 and examines participation, user involvement and frail older adults.

How can the results help improve public health?

– By promoting person-centred and participatory approaches, the findings support more inclusive, person-centred, and integrated care, which can enhance well-being and occupational justice, says Roar Hermansen Østby.

Portrait of a man with glasses — Roar Hermansen Østby defended his thesis on frail older adults. Photo: Private

This is important to older adults, especially those in or approaching residential aged care, as well as healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and institutions aiming to improve aged care quality and equity.

– The ageing population and ongoing reforms in health and social care systems highlight the urgent need for ethical, person-centred practices that respect older persons’ rights and lived experiences.
Future research should further explore how to support staff and organizations in inclusive and integrated care.

Primary contributor to his research project was Forte. Roar Hermansen Østby will now work at Minnesmottagningen, Uddevalla hospital.

Read the thesis ‘Taking older persons seriously: Exploring personcentred and participatory approaches for fair responsibility in health and social care’.