Aust aging research on the world stage

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has presented its work at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) 2023 Asia/Oceania Conference — a forum for the international aging research sector to share new findings and projects.

Held in June in Yokohama, Japan, the three-day conference assembled experts and leaders across the field with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the globe.

NARI Director Professor Briony Dow and Director of Aged Care Research Professor Joan Ostaszkiewicz attended IAGG23 to share and gain ideas and insights on how older people can age well, which may inform future research and practice on home turf.

“There is so much incredible and important work being done in this sector around the world,” Dow said.

“Hearing from other researchers about their own findings — both the challenges and the successes — will impact much of how we look at aging and aged care research in our own work.”

Dow presented recent research into improving mood for carers and care recipients through physical activity — a project known as IMPACCT — and also took part in a presentation on international perspectives on family caregiving, sharing an Australian perspective on the topic.

Ostaszkiewicz shared updated research about caring for a person with dementia with continence care needs, ahead of World Continence Week 2023.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in Australia alone, 70% of aged care residents living with dementia will experience incontinence, and 90% of these require assistance to manage the condition.

“People who experience incontinence deserve care that treats them with dignity and respect, and it’s fantastic to hear from such accomplished researchers, dedicated to improving outcomes in this area,” Ostaszkiewicz said.

Dow said conferences like IAGG23 are a vital part of strengthening the international aging and aged care research sector, providing an opportunity to develop partnerships across the globe for ongoing collaboration.

“Whilst the challenges facing older people will always be varied for an array of reasons — from genetics to geographical location — having open discussions on what these experiences look like, and the research being done into improving aging and care in other countries, is invaluable,” she said.

Image caption: NARI Director Prof Briony Dow and Israeli Professor Sara Alon at IAGG Conference 2023.