Another year of impact: Join The Plug-in in 2026

In 2025, The Plug-in continued to centre the voices and lived experiences of older people in research and engagement. The contributions and involvement of The Plug-in community helped inform development of a cost-of-living navigation program and COTA SA’s state election platform.

With increasing government recognition of the importance of lived experience, The Plug-in remains committed to providing supportive engagement opportunities for older South Australians to work together with researchers and decision-makers. At The Plug-in, it is our priority to ensure that involvement feels meaningful, supportive and encouraging to our community.

We asked The Plug-in community – 1250+ older people – to reflect on their involvement in projects with us in 2025 with 90% respondents agreeing that The Plug-in offers meaningful research and engagement opportunities for them.

“As we mature some of us enjoy being of service yet there are not too many chances to be useful.”

What stands out most is how our community that was involved in one or more projects in 2025 describe their experience. Most agreed that their lived experience is valued (91%) and that their involvement has a clear purpose (89%). They also reported belief or hope that their contribution helps improve outcomes for older people (81%).

“It’s so important for the voice of older Australians to be heard, especially the more marginalised groups.”

87% shared that The Plug-in offers tailored support that enables older people to share their experiences and views in ways that feel appropriate to them. These responses affirm the work of The Plug-in team and encourages us to continue developing accessible, inclusive and tailored engagement for older South Australians.

As one of our community members describes: “I was very impressed with Sharmilla who was the facilitator. She very skilfully managed the group of participants who were so varied in experience. (I learnt a lot). She allowed all the opportunity to reflect and share.”

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Almost half of survey respondents (45%) were actively involved in one or more Plug-in projects in 2025. Others expressed interest but had not yet participated, suggesting a community that includes both experienced contributors and people considering future involvement.

“I also find the surveys meaningful as they provide useful data & qualitative evidence, e.g. my feedback was quoted in a submission to state government.”

While building relationships or connecting with other older South Australians is not the ultimate the purpose of engagement in our projects, we continue to hear that our community feels connected and their experiences feel validated in the process. More than 89% reported feeling connected with other older South Australians through their participation.

The feedback from our community matters to us. We will continue to have conversations with you to ensure our community feels respected and their involvement feels valued and worthwhile.

We invite all people aged 50+ to join The Plug-in community to ensure the diversity of older voices continue to shape the decisions, research, and services that affect the lives, wellbeing, and future of older South Australians.

We look forward to sharing new and exciting projects coming up in 2026!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PLUG-IN