Older Aussies ‘emerge’ from shadows
University of Adelaide’s Dr Debbie Faulker wants to help socially isolated older South Australians ‘step out from the shadows’. Dr Faulker is among one of many researchers seeking to identify the factors that best support and enable older South Australians to continue engaging strongly in their communities.
University of Adelaide’s Dr Debbie Faulker wants to help socially isolated older South Australians ‘step out from the shadows’.
Dr Faulker is among one of many researchers seeking to identify the factors that best support and enable older South Australians to continue engaging strongly in their communities.
Researchers ask South Australians aged 60 years and over (or Indigenous South Australians aged 50 years or over) their experiences of community engagement by completing a survey.
The study will measure the impact of community care programs (such as Home and Community Care and Community Care packages), on the wellbeing of socially isolated older Australians. Researchers will assess how effective various programs are; if they affect older people differently depending on gender, where they live, disability or illness; and if there is an impact regarding who provides the programs (ie housing providers or local government).
Dr Faulker tells DPS News the study is vitally important as Australia’s population ages.
“As the population ages, ‘ageing in place’ is a great thing, but it means older Australians are predisposed to social isolation and may no longer have contact with people in their communities and neighbourhoods,” she says.
While Dr Faulker believes social networking sites like Facebook and Skype can help reduce social isolation among older Australians, she says it may not be enough and “we need to personalise contact”.
The information collected from the project will be used to produce a written report; however, information provided by participants will remain confidential.
To participate in the survey, which closes 31 July 2012, click here.
For more information, contact Dr Debbie Faulker on (08) 8313 3230 or email debbie.faulker@adelaide.edu.au
