A UNIVERSITY student is carrying out research as part of her postgraduate research study with people aged 85 and older who live in Monmouthshire.

Christina Cooling, is carrying out a study which explores everyday life and how people of this age experience these changes, particularly in relation to loneliness, connection, and independence and she is interested in hearing from people who find digital services difficult, as well as those who find them helpful or have adapted to them over time.

Overtime every day life is changing, this includes part of everyday life and taking part in activities such as banking, shopping, healthcare and public services as they are moving online, often with the aim of making things more efficient. However, for some of the more mature residents these changes can feel confusing, frustrating or isolating.

The research Christina is carrying out is centred on listening. Rather than making assumptions about later life, she wants to understand how people themselves describe their experiences. This includes how they manage day-to-day tasks, how they feel about changes in services, and what helps them stay connected to others and to their community.

She is inviting people aged 85 or over in Monmouthshire to take part. Participation involves a relaxed, one-to-one conversation of up to an hour at an arranged at a time and place that feels comfortable. Everything shared will be treated with care and kept confidential, and the research has been approved through the University of Glasgow ethics process.

Just by having a short conversation can help gather an understanding of how our community can still be inclusive, compassionate and connected in everyday life as these adaptations become more involved in people’s lives.

If this something you, or someone you care for would be interested in taking part in, see the attached poster for more information and contact [email protected]