Co-creating a local public health approach for vital ageing using system mapping and design thinking

Background

Vital ageing is a complex public health issue that is increasingly prioritized in Dutch local policy. However, it often remains unclear what a local public health approach for vital ageing should entail. Existing approaches often fail to address the complexity of the issue or align with the needs and preferences of older adults. Including their perspectives is essential for developing strategies that fit their daily lives and evolving needs.

Methods

This participatory study used systems thinking and introduced an innovative combination of system mapping (group model building, GMB) and design thinking (DT) to co-create a local public health approach for vital ageing. Conducted in a Dutch rural municipality, the study involved older adults (55+) and health and wellbeing professionals. First, three GMB sessions with 12 older adults mapped key factors influencing vitality and their interrelations, resulting in a causal loop diagram. This input informed targeted solutions co-created in three DT sessions with older adults and professionals, leading to a tailored public health approach.

Results

GMB sessions revealed a complex interplay of factors influencing vitality, emphasizing three clusters: psychological and emotional elements, social connections and support, and lifestyle and habits. To address these factors, DT sessions produced a public health approach consisting of three key elements: early identification and engagement of at-risk older adults, a central vitality hub connecting individual needs with community resources, and fostering a supportive, vital community. Important overarching conditions included involving older adults in developing vitality approaches, promoting (meaningful) social interaction, and stimulating autonomy.

Conclusions

Integrating system mapping and DT enabled co-creation of a local public health approach that combines early outreach and community support through a vitality hub to foster participation and strengthen vitality.

Key messages

• Innovatively combining systems science methods (group model building and design thinking) proved useful for understanding and co-creating solutions for the complex public health issue of vital ageing.

• The study resulted in a public health approach including early outreach to at-risk older adults, a vitality hub, and building a vital community, offering actionable guidance for municipalities.