About us - Ageing, Work and Health Reseach Group
Ageing affects all of us directly or through the experience of family and friends. The impacts of ageing are not predetermined. Our current knowledge shows us that the ageing experience can be improved at all levels - individual, community and government - if we think through, shape and manage it.
The research conducted by the Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit provides the critical thinking and evidence base essential to better prepare for an ageing society.
Our emphasis on ageing is due to two major transitions under way throughout the developed world:
- The number of people in their 80s is increasing significantly. Life expectancy for people at age 65 years has grown by two to three years each in recent decades.
- Baby boomers are entering later life. This is an especially large and influential cohort.
In order to better understand the psychosocial situation of older people, we have brought together in a collegial manner a group of internationally respected experts in complementary fields such as psychology, sociology, epidemiology, gerontology, and occupational therapy.
Our research uses a 'life span continuum' which looks across generations. It takes four main approaches:
- Qualitative research - gathers in-depth views of older people
- Epidemiology - examines how population health is affected by social factors and environments
- Large scale surveys - investigates and statistically analyses attitudes and behaviours
- Intervention evaluations - demonstrates the efficacy of interventions.
There are three research teams within the Unit. The following gives you an insight into the teams and some of their areas of research or success.
- Ageing and Health: includes a ground breaking longitudinal study on how health and life styles in 1994 have influenced peoples' survival, independence, and well being.
- Work and Health: is conducting innovative research on the health of flexible workers and the impact of workplace deaths on families.
- Participation, Safety and Ageing: developed a world-leading falls prevention program which is being rolled out across Australia and considered for use in the United States.
At a cross-Unit level we are leading the largest triple bottom line evaluation of seniors' housing in Australia.
The Unit is led by Professor Hal Kendig in collaboration with Professor Philip Bohle, Professor Lindy Clemson, Dr Kate O'Loughlin, and Professor Deborah Black.
The Unit works closely with the national ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well which has its central hub in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
In summary, our research shapes government thinking, informs action and contributes to ageing and work being healthy and beneficial experiences.