The Brunel University of London, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, successfully organized a three-day workshop in Accra focused on the well-being of older adults.
The workshop aimed to explore the potential for the establishment of an older adults reference group in Ghana, through a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) initiative, to promote the health and well-being needs of Older Adults, but also to use the reference group to inform research (from conceptualization to development, to delivery/implementation of research initiatives); this will ensure that the voices, views and opinions of older adults, shape and inform the healthcare initiatives and research that is developed in Ghana to address issues pertaining to older adults.
Academics from Brunel University of London also delivered sessions on how the older adults reference group works, health literacy engagements on sarcopenia, diet and exercise considerations, and pain research at Brunel University of London and Ghana.
Inspired by the success of the Brunel Older Adults Reference Group (BORG), the workshop sought to establish a similar initiative in Ghana.
BORG has played a key role in shaping Brunel University of London’s research and health and wellbeing needs initiatives by incorporating the perspectives, needs and goals of older adults. This model will be adapted to the Ghanaian context to enhance local health initiatives, educational programs, and research.
Dr Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, a lecturer at the Brunel University of London, led the delegation of academics and researchers from Brunel University of London, while Professor Jonathan Quartey, an associate Professor of Physiotherapy and the chairman of the Health Education Unit at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, was the Ghana lead on this workshop.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ampiah said, “Our goal is to explore the potential for the establishment of an older adults reference group, with the view to ensuring that the voices of older adults play a key role in the development of research, and health and wellbeing initiatives that are developed for them in Ghana”
Professor Christina Victor, a key figure behind the Brunel Older Adults Reference Group, explained the reason for collaborating with the University of Ghana.
“We saw University of Ghana as the ideal partner for this initiative. The response has been fantastic, and we are hopeful that the workshop will bring meaningful results.”
Representative of Ghana Health Service, Dr Salamatu Attah Nantogma, who graced the workshop also commended Brunel University for their collaboration with University of Ghana.
“I must say I am proud of this initiative and as a health practitioner, I am happy to see this collaboration between Brunel University and University of Ghana. I strongly believe that this workshop will yield a good outcome soon not only for older adults today but those who come in the future and so I am excited about this initiative, and for the first I can say there is hope for older adults.”
Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences and founding head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, highlighted the potential impact of assistive technologies in improving older adults’ lives.
“I strongly believe this workshop will empower older adults with the use of assistive technologies, making a significant difference in their daily lives.”
Rev. Joseph Amoako, a representative of the Older Adults Group in Ghana, praised Brunel University for its commitment to supporting older adults through this collaboration.
Dr. Peter Ndaa, from the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy at the University of Ghana, expressed excitement about the workshop’s potential impact, particularly for individuals living with disabilities.
Professor Quartey also commended the partnership, emphasizing that the workshop’s outcomes would not only benefit older adults but also aid academicians in their research and serve as a valuable reference.
The workshop, held from Monday, February 24, to Wednesday, February 26, engaged stakeholders in focused group discussions to ensure its effectiveness and long-term impact.