Based at The Open University, the Centre for Ageing and Biographical Studies (CABS) was established in 1995 as a centre for gerontology and biographical research. The founder members believed that the experience and aspirations of older people should be at the core of research and teaching on ageing. This includes involving older people in various ways as research partners and advisors. To achieve these aims, our work combines theory, critical thinking, multidisciplinary partnerships, and multiple methods to engage with research, policy, practice and teaching.