A new perspective to consumer engagement

When Andres Ramirez joined SPHERE’s Inaugural Age and Ageing Consumer Council, he came in with a new perspective. Although too young to be a consumer of services for the aged, Andres’ experience with multicultural groups provides the Council with significant insight into how research can better serve ageing migrant communities.

Why are you interested in ageing research?

Through my involvement with a Colombian community group and the Australian and Latin American Young Professionals Association in Queensland, I participated in business initiatives that sought to support migrant communities, particularly Latin Americans, arriving in Australia.

This work exposed me to an ageing segment of the Latin American community in Australia, people who migrated to Australia in the 60s and 70s and who are now in old age. While they have strong social networks in their respective communities, many do not have the same support or confidence when finding information and accessing services for the aged.

This is why I’m interested in exploring how research can be better tailored to these communities to cater for linguistic and cultural diversity in ageing groups, so research outcomes can be improved and communities can benefit from more customised services and resources.

You have a Masters in Education and a Masters in Governance and Risk Management with extensive experience in these areas. How does your knowledge, skills and experience add to the Council and to research in general?

I think ageing research can benefit from the perspectives of education and risk management. Risk Management goes beyond the management of physical hazards. I think it is essential that research also considers any psychosocial risks (impacts on mental health, for instance) to which the participants of research may be exposed.

Equally, my experience in Education and Governance may assist the Council in defining its involvement in research activities. There may also be an opportunity for research around ageing to be further promoted across migrant communities, so I am keen to explore options to make those communities more aware.

Why is a Consumer Council important for the AAA CAG?

The consumer perspective that the Council provides is invaluable so research activities can be better defined and tailored to the needs of ageing people. By collaborating with people who’ve experienced some of the issues the research aims to understand or explore, then studies can be better designed, developed and completed.

Do you have any particular interest in the type of ageing research you’re hoping to be involved in?

I am particularly interested in research around Alzheimer’s and dementia. I am aware of studies conducted in these areas that highlight the benefits of learning another language, so I am keen to see how this could translate to migrant communities who have acquired a second language and the physical benefits of doing so.

Tell us something about yourself outside your professional life and your role on the AAA CAG Consumer Council.

I am originally from Colombia and during my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to represent the country at an international folkloric dance competition in Peru. When I moved to Australia, I ensured that I kept dancing by getting involved with Colombian Folkloric dance groups. This involves not only the actual performance of the dances, but also research into the significance of the costumes and cultural elements behind the meaning of a dance. For me, this is an effective way to provide people in Australia with a different perspective of Colombia, beyond the negative stereotypes that exist about my country.