Abstract

Older people’s peer-run organisations play an important role in promoting their participants’ health, wellbeing and independence, by assisting them to cope with the transitions and losses common to growing old.  A phenomenological study of the lived experience of participants has shown that the feelings of wellbeing experienced in the group are made up of friendship and mutual support, a choice of informal activities, and the opportunity to make use of a lifetime’s skills and experience in voluntary service to the group.  In the light of recent policy changes aiming to build older people’s autonomy and self-responsibility, concern has been raised about the fate of those who lack the capacity to maintain their independence. The study suggests that community-based organisations, particularly those run by older people for their peers, can play a positive dual role of fostering independence and resilience while giving informal support to those in need.      (147 words)