Opening up creative resources: towards age-friendly communities through rhizomatic thinking and doing

Abstract

Globally, many complex issues, like the ageing population and health inequalities, require attention. People are experimenting to combat these issues in their local contexts through bigger or smaller networks; however, much of the knowledge about these initiatives remains localised and elitist and omits the voices and perspectives of citizens. This article identifies the characteristics of a more horizontal, emergent and plural epistemology to mobilize knowledge. We used local networks building age-friendly communities in the Netherlands as a case study. With members of 110 local networks, we worked with a new methodology called dynamic knowledge synthesis to create fruitful interactions and learn with stakeholders, including older citizens, in a learning community. Four working principles helped us, namely (1) a rhizomatic design based on multiplicity, heterogeneity and non-linearity of knowledge; (2) fertile soil nurtured by the talents and wisdom of participants through participatory arts-based methods; (3) so-called 'wicked skills' of a forester 2.0 to facilitate learning; and (4) an ecosystem metaphor as a boundary object to understand local networks. We invite colleagues to experiment with dynamic knowledge synthesis to connect on different levels, with particular attention to the inclusion of citizens in creating sustainable local communities.

Keywords: Age-friendly community; ecosystem-thinking; horizontal epistemology; metaphors; participatory arts-based research.

Figure 1.

Not-knowing, artistic expression. Artistic expression made by first author.

Figure 2.

Drawings of backpacks with knowledge, made by officers of the funding body.

Figure 3a.

Impression I. An impression of an exercise with Tableau Vivant.

Figure 3b.

Impression II. An impression of an exercise with Tableau Vivant.

Figure 3c.

Impression III. An impression of an exercise with Tableau Vivant.

Figure 3d.

Impression IV. An impression of an exercise with Tableau Vivant.

Figure 4.

Exploration of the forest as a metaphor. A first joint exploration of the forest as a metaphor for healthy local networks.

Figure 5.

Second exploration of the forest as a metaphor. A second joint exploration of the forest as a metaphor for healthy local networks.

Figure 6.

Working Together like a Forest, Tool for Local Network. Tool, co-created with stakeholders, to work with the metaphor in local settings (Schuurman, Groot, and Abma 2024).

Figure 7.

Zine-making. Zine-making process.

Figure 8.

One of the zines developed in this study.

Figure 9.

Working with the tool during a workshop with natural materials.

Figure 10.

Ecosystem. Drawing made during a workshop.

Figure 11.

What do we see? Photograph made by the first author.