About the Monash Research for an Ageing Society initiative

Extended human lifespan is internationally recognised as one of the major accomplishments of the modern age. However, the ageing of the population brings significant challenges for the future.The World Health Organisation’s “Active Ageing: A Policy Framework” highlights the importance of “active ageing” policies and programs to enhance the health, participation and security of older citizens. Nationally, “ageing well, ageing productively” has been identified by DEST as a priority goal under the Commonwealth Government’s Research Priority “Promoting and Maintaining Good Health”.

Research, across a range of disciplines, is required to address the needs and issues, and enhance the life experience of older people in the Australian (and international) community. At Monash University there is a breadth of expertise and established research interests in ageing that extends across most faculties and encompasses a range of health, social, economic and technological issues. To engage this expertise and research capacity to establish an ageing research platform across the university, a framework of three major research themes on ageing has been developed for the Monash research community.

Goal 1: Internationally competitive excellence in multidisciplinary research activities in ageing

Goal 2: Leadership and influence in ageing research, policy and services across Australia and in international research and policy in ageing.

Goal 3: Strong financial investment in the Monash Research for an Ageing Society initiative from national and international government and competitive grant sources, and philanthropic organisations.

Monash Research for an Ageing Society is operating as a virtual network of researchers led the interim director, supported by a small secretariat (research fellow and executive officer). An Advisory Committee, with representatives from all Faculties and the Accident Research Centre, is overseeing the initiative.