Source: University of Canberra
What does it mean to age well, and how can we achieve this when faced with increasing rates of dementia and other age-related diseases? What can Canberrans do to improve our chances of ageing well, and what kind of services do we need to support ageing well?
These questions and more will be discussed at a research showcase being held at the University of Canberra TOMORROW.
The forum, organised by the ACT Division of the Australian Association of Gerontology, includes workshops and presentations from the ACT’s leading ageing research centres.
University of Canberra adjunct associate professor of health Ann Peut says ageing is an important issue to focus on, not just at an individual level, but nationally as well.
“On average Australians are living longer than ever before. This is something to be celebrated but it also poses enormous challenges for individuals and for the social and economic fabric of the nation,” Ms Peut, also president of the ACT Division of the Australian Association of Gerontology, says.
“The forum is designed to showcase the research work and evidence from a number of Canberra-based research centres that will help us better understand what it means to age well,” she says.
Director of the University of Canberra’s Centre for Research and Action in Public Health (CeRAPH) Professor Rachel Davey, will discuss her research on the role of nurse practitioners in the aged care sector.
“The role of the nurse practitioner is well developed in other countries such as the United Kingdom and United States and has been shown to increase patient satisfaction, improve health outcomes and reduce hospital admissions,” Professor Davey says.
“I see no reason why nurse practitioners would not have the same potential to be as effective in an Australian context. Understanding what works best and why will be vital in expanding the nurse practitioner workforce and in rolling out nationally sustainable models of care.”
The showcase also features an expert panel discussion titled ‘Ageing well: What should we be aiming for and how do we get there?’ moderated by ABC 666 Breakfast Presenter Ross Solly.
More information about the showcase can be found on the University’s events page.
• Media are invited to attend the lecture
• Ms Peut and Professor Davey are available for interview. Ms Peut (on research showcase) M: 0435 474 607 Professor Davey (on nurse practitioners research) M: 0435 770 045.
WHAT: Ageing well in the ACT: Research showcase
WHEN: Wednesday 4 July, 2012, 10.00am – 4.30pm
WHERE: University of Canberra, Building 24, Ann Harding Conference Centre
Campus map:
http://www.canberra.edu.au/university/maps
Contact the University of Canberra media team
Amanda Jones M: 0408 826 362 T: 02 6201 5422
Kristyn Comino M: 0418 806 293 T: 02 6206 8845