The purpose of this phase is to describe and examine existing policies related to healthy aging or specific programs for older adults living a predetermined region. Using the data available via the Atlantic Observatory on Aging, this phase could document, for example, if a policy or program reaches the intended population, if there are regional differences in service delivery, or if the needs of marginalized groups are properly met.
If there is not enough data or the findings point toward unexplored questions, then specific research projects can be designed to further document the policy analysis. Depending on data availability, this phase can last a few weeks to a few months. At the end of the policy analysis phase, the advisory group may decide to move to the policy innovation phase or to stop there. However, completing the policy analysis phase is mandatory before passing to the next phase.
The purpose of this phase is to develop recommendations for policy changes or reforms. Multiple data collection methods can be used to facilitate the emergence of large consensus among stakeholders. It could include surveys to the population targeted by policy or programs, semi-structured interviews with experts and administrators, or focus groups with people underserved or disadvantaged by the policy under review.
These findings aim to support the advisory group in the formulation of innovative but effective policy recommendations or reforms to improve healthy aging. The work during this phase is iterative by nature and could last a few months to a year.
During this last phase, the advisory group is encouraged to think about the various audiences it wants to reach. Maybe a policy brief is good for the minister’s secretary, but a photo exhibit might be better suited for raising awareness among the public. Each advisory group working with the Healthy Aging Policy Innovation Lab is encouraged to provide input and feedback on the strategies they consider best for sharing their work with older adults and the public.
Results of policy analysis or development projects could be communicated to the public via policy briefs, infographics, short explainer videos or blog posts. Appropriate media experts such as graphic designers, graphic artists, animators, and programmers can be hired to support the development of these knowledge translation and dissemination tools.
