Abstract
This contribution seeks to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of using a co-construction approach in developing age-friendly communities. In particular we aim to identify what professionals understand under co-construction (1); which different forms of co-construction can be distinguished (2); and if and how co-construction with older people can be realised in disadvantaged neighbourhoods (3)? This paper uses qualitative data collected from 24 neighbourhood professionals working in urban care living labs in Belgium. The argument will be developed that although all the project proposals stress the central role of the user in the research, development and innovation, professionals lack a common vision, knowledge and experience in executing such a co-construction approach. Based on the interviews and feedback of the participants, the paper develops a conceptual “co-construction framework” along 3 key-labels: who (openness - ownership), how (type of sessions – intensity of participation) and results (capacitybuilding – knowledge/action).