The hot topic of “ageing well” is the focus for a group of researchers attending a Brisbane conference this week. Below is a summary of some of the research to be presented at the Emerging Researchers on Ageing (ERA) 2004 on Thursday, 2 December at the Brisbane Exhibition & Convention Centre, hosted by The University of Queensland’s Australasian Centre on Ageing.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse of aged people with impaired capacity is a little known form of abuse. This research outlines the nature of this type of abuse to assist in the development of safeguards to prevent exploitation.
(Researcher – Anne Louise McCawley – The University of Queensland)
Music therapy for dementia patients
There has been an increase in the prevalence of dementia over the past decade and carers continue to search for appropriate methods of engaging and interacting with these people. This research shows that music programs can reach otherwise unresponsive dementia patients. Music has encouraged patients to vocalise, turn their heads towards the sound, smile and make eye-contact.
(Researcher – Annette Baron – The University of Melbourne)
Exercise works
Older people don’t need to sign up for gym membership to get some benefit out of an exercise regime. This research shows home or group resistance training sessions, using simple exercises like wall push-ups, squats and heel raises can provide increased strength, mobility and independence.
(Researcher – Elizabeth Cyarto, The University of Queensland)
The Impact of ageing on the economy
What will happen to living standards in Australia in the next few decades as the demographics of the earning and ageing population sectors change? This research looks at the optimal response to this change – should we increase savings to build up domestic capital stock or reduce borrowing from overseas?
(Researcher – Hayat Khan, The University of Melbourne)
ERA 2004 is proudly supported by event partners: the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, the Queensland Government Department of Communities, the Queensland Government Department of Housing, Blue Care and Aged Care Queensland.
For more information, contact: Professor Helen Bartlett (telephone 07 3346 9080, mobile 0411 073 609).
