Ageing healthily in Britain's coastal communities: understanding the potential of intergenerational engagement to reduce health inequalities in later

The proposed research the aims to address health inequalities among older individuals in coastal communities of England and Wales, with a focus on investigating the potential benefits awarded by intergenerational engagement.

Whilst inner cities have, not inappropriately, long been the focal point of public health research in England and Wales, public health experts have warned of marked socio-economic deprivation and embedded health inequalities in coastal areas.

Whilst known for their large and increasing population of older adults, coastal communities lack comprehensive research on health disparities.

This study will use a mixed methods approach, by analysing the 2021 Census: Aggregated Data at Middle Layer Super Output Area (MSOAs) dataset, as well as conducting a qualitative case study in a selected coastal community.

Advanced quantitative techniques will map health indicators, assessing demographic and socio-economic factors' correlation with health outcomes.

Community level analysis will be supplemented by analysis of the 2021 Census: Safeguarded Individual Microdata Sample at grouped local authority level to disentangle the role of individual and community level factors in influencing health.

Qualitative methods will then be used to investigate existing intergenerational projects' impact on participants' wellbeing, including interviews with project organisers and participants.

Ethical permissions will be sought from relevant authorities, and strict adherence to ethical guidelines will be maintained throughout data collection and analysis.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform policies and interventions to enhance social cohesion and well-being among older coastal residents, bridging the gap in intergenerational interactions and addressing damaging health disparities.