Framework for an Australian Ageing Research Agenda

Building Ageing Research Capacity (BARC) Project

The Framework for an Australian Ageing Research Agenda is the background paper to the National Symposium on Ageing Research. It provides an overview on the 2003 research environment, and discussion of some of the key structures that will support the further development of an ageing research agenda for Australia.

Available at: Ageing Research Online
http://www.aro.gov.au/documents/FAARA_final.pdf

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. The 2003 research environment

3. Framework for an Australian Ageing Research Agenda

• Strategic priorities for building ageing research capacity
  1. Supporting the achievement of excellence in ageing research methods and outcomes through appropriate training, collaboration and workforce development;
  2. Supporting the translation of ageing research into practice through more widespread use of trademarking, benchmarking and recognition of best practice by appropriately qualified bodies, both government (NHMRC, NICS) and non-government (Cochrane Library), depending on the issue;
  3. Supporting better use and dissemination of existing research through improved networking, collaboration and use of appropriate "clearing House" arrangements (in part through the ARO web site initiative).
  4. Supporting greater emphasis on multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral initiatives to help turn the existing diversity of research effort into a substantial body of knowledge available to address emerging ageing policy issues;
  5. Supporting efforts to address gaps in existing ageing research and identify emerging issues through better dialogue between researchers, government, industry and consumers;
  6. Supporting ageing researchers to remain connected to and active in the international research effort on ageing.

• Strategic ageing research themes
  1. Maintaining economic growth in the face of an ageing workforce and reduction in the supply of younger workers.
  2. Achieving adequate, sustainable retirement income over lengthening periods of retirement.
  3. Developing positive images of ageing and supporting continued social participation.
  4. Developing age-friendly infrastructure and built environment.
  5. Achieving healthy ageing to maintain health and independence.
  6. Providing accessible, appropriate, high quality health and aged care.

4. Mechanisms for moving forward

• In order to move forward, mechanisms and processes, supported by multidisciplinary networks and defined by common policy and research interests, are required to develop areas of the framework. At present, some aspects are more developed than others. For example, more work needs to be done to define priorities and identify specific researchable questions within the strategic ageing research themes.

5. Conclusion