Tuesday 20 June 2023

Media Release

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has taken their vital work to the global stage, gathering with the best and brightest of the international ageing research sector to deliver a number of presentations at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) 2023 Asia/Oceania Conference.

Held across three days in June, the conference assembled experts and leaders across the field, to share new research and projects, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of older people across the globe.

NARI Director, Professor Briony Dow, and Director of Aged Care Research, Professor Joan Ostaszkiewicz, travelled to Yokohama, Japan 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, hearing from other researchers about their own findings — both the challenges and the successes — will impact much of how we look at ageing and aged care research in our own work,” Professor Dow said.

Professor Dow shared 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. 

Professor Ostaszkiewicz presented 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 per cent of aged care residents living with dementia will experience incontinence, of whom 90 per cent 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” Professor Ostaszkiewicz said.

Professor Dow said conferences like IAGG23 are also a vital part of strengthening the international ageing 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 to improving ageing and care in other countries is invaluable.”

Media Contact: Olivia Joyce – 0448 129 595

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