Background: There is a growing amount of research in which older adults contribute as co-researchers. The quality of this research depends, among other factors, on the nature of relationships between professional researchers and co-researchers. Reflections on these relationships can offer structured insight into this form of research.

Aim: Our reflection on the co-operation between two older adults and a nurse researcher aims to share the lessons learned based on a critical understanding of our journey. Our main questions are: 1. How has the relationship developed over time, including in terms of mutuality and equality? 2. Which moments have been decisive in this development?

Conclusion: We regard our co-operative relationship as a ‘dynamic search’. The meaning of mutuality and equality may change over time and so enrich the relationships. There is a need for further understanding into how these values can be nurtured in different configurations of researchers and co-researchers.

Implications for practice:

• Evolving relations can be nurtured through deliberative sharing of the perceptions, expectations and experiences of the researchers and co-researchers
• Combining a formal working atmosphere with informal moments helps the research team respond to the individual needs of its members
• To enhance equality and mutuality, it is important to appreciate and value everyone’s contribution rather than concentrating on ‘what ’or ‘how ’individuals contribute

This article by Jan S. Jukema, Jacqueline van Alphen, Jopie Jorritsma and Miranda Snoeren is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 License.