The latest research into the effects of ageing will be shared with the public during a “Connecting Ageing Research with the Community” session next week.
The free event, which will run from 1.30pm-4.45pm next Friday, December 5, at the Hunter Centre, 281 Great King St, is being presented by the Collaborations of Ageing Research Excellence (CARE) in conjunction with the NZ Association of Gerontology and Age Concern Otago.
Co-organiser Paula O’Kane, associate professor in human resource management at the University of Otago with a research interest in ageing and work, said the full afternoon of community engagement was happening alongside the NZ Association of Gerontology’s annual conference, being held in Dunedin from December 3-5.
Along with organising the conference, Assoc Prof O’Kane and colleague Dr Lara Vlietstra, University of Otago senior lecturer in physical activity and health, took the chance to widen the audience for fascinating research into ageing.
“We have 130 researchers coming to Dunedin for the conference, so we asked them if they would like to be part of the community event and share their research with the public,” Assoc Prof O’Kane said.
“And we were very pleased with the number who were and the broad range of topics covered by their research.”
Among the research papers and subjects that will be discussed during the afternoon are empowering dementia carers with an isupport virtual assistant (e-DiVA); AI-assisted injury risk prediction for older New Zealanders; supporting people through SilverTech courses; The role of qigong in supporting wellbeing; ageing playfully; how older citizens engage in urban spaces through play; communitas in motion: dance, ageing, and belonging; singing together in a neurological choir and the benefits, enablers and barriers experienced by participants.
There will be panel sessions and the chance for audience members to ask questions.
Assoc Prof O’Kane said the community event would not only include discussions of research, but also showcase local community groups offering opportunities and activities for older people to enjoy.
These would include performances by the Dunedin Star Singers and RASA School of Dance seniors dance crew as well as a talk on a new mobilty programme by Margaret Dando of Age Concern Otago.
“It’s going to be a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon, giving people a chance to learn about some of the very important research taking place in this country,” Assoc Prof O’Kane said.
People who are interested in attending next Friday’s event are asked to RSVP if possible by emailing care@otago.ac.nz