Empowering Healthy Ageing in Older Australians
Most of us look forward to living active, healthy and socially-connected lives as we age. Yet the reality is that many older Australians age in isolation, either alone in their own homes or together in residential aged care.
Faced with this problem, University of Newcastle researchers have developed a wellbeing program to improve health outcomes for older people living in retirement communities.
Generous philanthropic support from the Cromwell Property Group Foundation is funding the next stage of the Live Well, Age Well program designed to help more older Australians live healthier, more connected lives.
The power to age well
Live Well, Age Well is being led by Professor Julie Byles (PhD (Med) 1994, B Med 1984) and Dr Catherine Chojenta (PhD (Gender & Hlth) 2013, BA (Psych) 2003) from the Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing at the University of Newcastle.
It recognises that while most people experience a rate of functional decline as we age, other factors like loneliness, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are making us feel older, earlier.
Developed in partnership with retirement communities, the program offers strategies and practical materials that residents can use to create their own wellbeing programs backed by evidence-based research. It puts the power to age well back in the hands of residents by encouraging them to adapt the program based on their unique priority needs, community strengths and local resources.
Reaching more older Australians
The over 65s are Australia’s fastest growing population segment. This generous philanthropic support will unlock the potential to reach more older Australians by enabling the project team to test their model, gather crucial data and work towards further partnerships.
The goal is to roll out the Live Well, Age Well program to thousands of older Australians at risk of ageing in isolation in independent living retirement villages across Australia.
Community Self-support for Healthy Ageing
Live Well, Age Well encourages residents to take up different activities and share their own skills around cooking, music, crafts and social activities, supported by program facilitators. The program package includes a manual for how to set up a wellbeing program, with print materials and training videos as practical resources.
Thank you to the Cromwell Property Group Foundation for making the health and wellbeing of older Australians a priority. Your support will help us reach thousands more people at risk of ageing in isolation.”
- Dr Catherine Chojenta
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing
Philanthropy in action helping older Australians
Generous support from the Cromwell Property Group Foundation will enable the research team to partner with a retirement community to:
- Fund vital equipment, project leaders and support staff
- Develop program materials and training videos – e.g. Masterclass Cooking for 1 or 2, Recipes for Life
- Offer ‘train the trainer’ style support
- Involve residents as co-designers to test and finalise the materials
- Extend the program to more retirement communities across Australia
Supporting solutions
Thank you to all our amazing supporters who help us to find solutions to our greatest problems by generously supporting research at the University through your kind gifts. We are honoured to be able to connect you with the people delivering the change you want to see in the world.
Direct Support
Many of you support specific projects or programs of research in areas which mean the most to you. You may also support the work of a specific research team or one of our research Centres.
Research and Discovery Fund
The University established this fund in 2015 to enable donor-funded research in key projects. It has been building thanks to the generous support of many individuals and will provide the University with a substantial resource to catalyse future research discoveries.
If you’re interested in supporting the work of the Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, or any other area of research, please call us to find out more on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.