The Gestalt Action Research and Development Approach: Examining ageing with dignity as an example of integrating research into practice and impacting society

Abstract

The author presents the ‘Gestalt Action Research and Development’ model and method she has developed and applied on various ‘levels of system’. She illustrates how she has applied this meta-model and approach in driving the EI WISH programme together with refugee and migrant elders, their families, and other key stakeholders dedicated to well-being, human rights, and ageing in three Swedish cities. In this programme, she explores and assesses what supports and hinders ageing migrants’ well-being and their integration into Swedish society, demonstrating how research becomes ‘action’ leading to transformation. By applying Gestalt concepts together with the Action Research & Development (AR&D) approach, she explores the possibilities of designing more conscious and collaborative ways of working that honour diversity in needs and perspectives. Keywords action research, Gestalt cycle of experience, reflexivity, relationships, well-being, diversity, integration, learning alliances, mobilising stakeholders for collaboration, societal innovation and impact, field theory, cross-sectionality, learning alliances, ageing