Inclusion and citizenship in a society of longevity: up and down the ladder, from universal principles to methodological challenges. The case of citizen design workshops in France

Abstract

The global demographic transition presents challenges and opportunities for fostering inclusive societies that promote active citizenship and lifelong participation of older persons. Guided by the United Nations’ Principles for Older Persons (1991) and UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001), this article emphasizes the issue of older adults’ inclusion in decision making processes within the context of participative democracies. It also explores interactions between older citizens, policymakers, and civil society, analyzing the conditions that enable participatory governance and the role of key stakeholders, including community organizations. The article examines Citizen Design Workshops (CDW), first implemented in the eastern region of France, and later expanded to other cities, some of which are engaged in the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities initiative. The CDW methodology repositions older individuals in local decision-making processes, recognizing their diverse experiences and needs. Beyond aging-related issues, this research considers how CDW methodologies can address broader issues on the role researchers in inclusive research and their potential contribution to social inclusion. The approach specifically targets specific groups often excluded from local decision-making. Findings suggest that participatory methodologies, embedded in gerontological engineering, can create a more inclusive and dynamic model of civic engagement across the life course. This approach aligns with broader efforts to develop age-inclusive public policies, ensuring older populations are recognized as key actors in shaping their communities.