How critical is the inflammatory response in senile plaque formation in a mutant APP transgenic mouse model? The aims of this project is to examine the brains of mice genetically engineered to produce a human mutant form of insoluble beta amyloid protein known to play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the "trigger" for AD is an inflammatory reaction, then the relevant examination of the early stages of senile plaque formation in these animals could lead to pharma ....How critical is the inflammatory response in senile plaque formation in a mutant APP transgenic mouse model? The aims of this project is to examine the brains of mice genetically engineered to produce a human mutant form of insoluble beta amyloid protein known to play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the "trigger" for AD is an inflammatory reaction, then the relevant examination of the early stages of senile plaque formation in these animals could lead to pharmaceutical intervention to delay the development of this debilitating disease. A 5 year delay would significantly reduce the number of people with AD, not only adding years of improved quality of life, but also saving hundreds of millions of Australian dollars in health costs.Read moreRead less
From Suspician to Intervention : Improving responsiveness to abuse of the elderly in acute and sub-acute health care. Early identification of risk and an integrated multidisciplinary response across the health service would be effective in responding to the multiple and complex behavioural and social issues which contribute to aged abuse as it presents in emergency, acute and sub-acute care, but are currently often ignored in health services and the literature. We propose that effective use of ....From Suspician to Intervention : Improving responsiveness to abuse of the elderly in acute and sub-acute health care. Early identification of risk and an integrated multidisciplinary response across the health service would be effective in responding to the multiple and complex behavioural and social issues which contribute to aged abuse as it presents in emergency, acute and sub-acute care, but are currently often ignored in health services and the literature. We propose that effective use of this "window of opportunity in health care" could extend the level of community response to this vulnerable group of people. Read moreRead less
Community Engagement for Productive Ageing: Models to support rural healthy ageing through the maintenance of community involvement and contribution. Governments at all levels are concerned about the looming social and economic challenges flowing from an ageing population. At present, ageing services are largely focussed on caring for the frail dependent aged. Yet, ultimately, the key to meeting the ageing challenge will lie in how successful we are in supporting our healthy independent aged to ....Community Engagement for Productive Ageing: Models to support rural healthy ageing through the maintenance of community involvement and contribution. Governments at all levels are concerned about the looming social and economic challenges flowing from an ageing population. At present, ageing services are largely focussed on caring for the frail dependent aged. Yet, ultimately, the key to meeting the ageing challenge will lie in how successful we are in supporting our healthy independent aged to stay contributing and productive members of their community. By developing evidence-based interventions that focus on preventing social disengagement before it occurs, the project provides a cost effective approach to ensuring that Australia's rapidly growing aged cohort remain social assets and do not become social burdens.Read moreRead less
Connecting younger second language learners and older bilinguals: Intergenerational, intercultural encounters and second language development. This project brings together upper secondary school learners of Chinese, German or Spanish and older speakers of the language, promoting mutually beneficial inter-cultural, intergenerational encounters. Valuable community language resources will be tapped to motivate and enhance the second language learning for the social, cultural and economic benefits. ....Connecting younger second language learners and older bilinguals: Intergenerational, intercultural encounters and second language development. This project brings together upper secondary school learners of Chinese, German or Spanish and older speakers of the language, promoting mutually beneficial inter-cultural, intergenerational encounters. Valuable community language resources will be tapped to motivate and enhance the second language learning for the social, cultural and economic benefits. The model promises to make senior secondary second language learning more effective. Australia's social fabric will be enhanced by interactions between cultures and between generations. The project addresses two important goals of the research Priority II --- It is strengthening the Australian social and economic fabric and ageing well, ageing productively.Read moreRead less
Towards a cost-effective therapy for osteoporosis using Australian indigenous emu oil. Emu oil has a potent anti-inflammatory property. This project aims to show in rodents whether its use can overcome the inflammatory condition and osteoporosis caused by aging, menopause and cancer chemotherapy. This research could lead to development of an emu oil-based therapy for major health problems and have immense social and economic implications.
The dynamics of spousal relationships in very late life: transitions, psychological health and longevity. This research will provide a rare insight into the dynamics of very-long term successful marriages. It will also provide an understanding of the dyad in ageing well. In a society where a large percentage of marriages end in divorce, this work has the potential to identify individual differences factors that are conducive to sustaining the marital relationship. In addition, an examination o ....The dynamics of spousal relationships in very late life: transitions, psychological health and longevity. This research will provide a rare insight into the dynamics of very-long term successful marriages. It will also provide an understanding of the dyad in ageing well. In a society where a large percentage of marriages end in divorce, this work has the potential to identify individual differences factors that are conducive to sustaining the marital relationship. In addition, an examination of how couples from different socio-economic backgrounds navigate later life in their own homes or during key late life transitions will also be beneficial for those individuals or policy makers planning for these transitions.Read moreRead less
Day-to-day life of adults after age 85: the interplay of mood, engagement, cognition and health in the context of prior functioning. The research will offer considerable social benefits to the Australian community by providing a rare insight into how people over the age of 85 can continue to contribute actively to, and remain engaged with, society. It will improve knowledge and understanding of productive ageing by examining how everyday cognition and mood vary depending on different situational ....Day-to-day life of adults after age 85: the interplay of mood, engagement, cognition and health in the context of prior functioning. The research will offer considerable social benefits to the Australian community by providing a rare insight into how people over the age of 85 can continue to contribute actively to, and remain engaged with, society. It will improve knowledge and understanding of productive ageing by examining how everyday cognition and mood vary depending on different situational contexts and daily activities. It will offer information on the challenges and opportunities experienced by this group of older adults, and reveal the inter-relatedness of social networks, isolation, independence and health for this group of very old adults.Read moreRead less
Pathways to healing: determining effective care pathways for chronic wounds for timely healing, prevention and cost effectiveness. Care for chronic leg ulcers is reported to cost 1-2.5% of total health budgets (>3 billion $US/year, $500 million AUD/year). Efficient use of health resources and improved health as a result of effective chronic wound management (early healing and prevention) are the most significant potential outcomes from this study. In addition to direct health care costs, chronic ....Pathways to healing: determining effective care pathways for chronic wounds for timely healing, prevention and cost effectiveness. Care for chronic leg ulcers is reported to cost 1-2.5% of total health budgets (>3 billion $US/year, $500 million AUD/year). Efficient use of health resources and improved health as a result of effective chronic wound management (early healing and prevention) are the most significant potential outcomes from this study. In addition to direct health care costs, chronic wounds are associated with significant hidden burdens on the community resulting from loss of mobility, decreased functional ability, social isolation and loss of participation in the workforce/society. This study will provide much needed information on management of this chronic disease to promote improved quality of life, health and independence in this population.Read moreRead less