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Research Themes

HARC is organised around six themes (based on the priorities defined by BARC, the NHMRC, PMSEIC and the joint NHMRC and ARC Ageing Well, Ageing Productively initiative).

Biology of Ageing (Basic Sciences)
Clinical Aspects
Psychological Aspects
Legal, Ethical and Political Aspects
Demographic and Economic Aspects
Education, Re-skilling and Recreation

Biology of Ageing (Basic Sciences)

The physical picture of Healthy Ageing will depend on advances in treatments for degenerative conditions associated with (or exacerbated by) ageing and in prevention through better understanding of the underlying disease processes.

Components:

• Physiological and biochemical factors in ageing
• Nutrition
• The heart and vascular system
• Degenerative diseases
• Inflammatory diseases
• Endocrine function
• Cancer
• Infection
• Stem cell biology and therapy
• Bio-engineering

Clinical Aspects

The aim of this theme is to develop and apply new therapies and advances in care and preventive medicine in order to improve the health and well being of the ageing population.
A significant aspect is the focus on management practices that extend the period of healthy ageing and improve the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation i.e. maintaining independence and increasing levels of physical and mental activity, developing positive images of ageing and supporting continued social participation.

Components:

• Preventive value of exercise and physical activity
• Chronic disease interventions
• Hormone replacement
• Rational use of medications
• Coordination of community support services
• Metabolic bone disease
• Joint and vertebral column disorders
• Oral health
• Diet in prevention and management
• Cancer therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Health promotion
• Looking after health carers

Psychological Aspects

Healthy Ageing includes a satisfying quality of life: a key factor in achieving this is maintenance of the ability to engage with one’s community in a meaningful way. A major fear in the elderly is loss of this key human facility, and with it, loss of independence and the ability to make important decisions. An important objective of HARC will be to link basic research on degenerative and affective disorders of the nervous system with practical measures that can extend and enrich mental health as people age.

Components:

• Impact of modifiable lifestyle factors on cognitive ageing
• Community dwelling older people
• Nursing home residents
• Older people with disabilities
• Driving and fitness to drive
• Gambling and addiction
• Prejudice and stereotyping
• Prevention and management of organic and affective mental illness

Legal, Ethical and Political Aspects

As life circumstances change, the ageing population is faced by many challenges that involve financial and legal transactions. These may include financial management of resources, moving into communal accommodation, accessing treatment that is culture- and gender-sensitive or understanding rights with regard to refusal of medical treatment. Sometimes decisions must be made at times of vulnerability and often intersect with decisions made by governments. The University has resources to research the importance of these matters to the quality of life and health of the ageing population.

Components:

• Housing and discrimination law
• Social security law
• Age discrimination
• Gender equity and health care
• Medical ethics and end of life issues
• Public policy relating to ageing
• Political philosophy related to aged care
• Ageing as a cultural process

Demographic and Economic Aspects

Possibly the most important challenge facing Australia and other developed countries is how the effects of the shift in the median age of the population over the next two decades can be managed – economically, socially and politically. The first requirement is accurate data and excellent modeling of population trends. Sound economic projections and planning are required in order to determine the optimum strategies to support a larger retired population from a proportionately smaller tax base and how to deliver services to specific areas of disadvantage.

Components:

• Demographic distribution of ageing populations and population trends
• Housing and retirement village accommodation
• Social and community planning
• Economic implications of population ageing
• Employment in the ageing population
• Government funding in welfare services
• Economic theory in aged care policy

Education, Re-skilling and Recreation

An important aspect of Healthy Ageing is the productive and satisfying use of time. Research is needed to explore both the attitudes of the elderly to remaining in paid or voluntary employment and the multiple benefits that could flow from investment in re-training to make this possible. Additionally, the needs and desires of the ageing population regarding entertainment, social opportunities and education (especially those that can be delivered remotely) demand greater exploration. Furthermore, there is a need to examine possible education and marketing methodologies that promote healthy life styles to ageing members of the community.