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CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 1
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 3
Email: [email protected]: www.cardi.ie
Timeline 4
Foreword 6
inTroducTion 9
cArdi oVerView 11
2007–2015 at a glance 12
caRDI OUtPUtS 14
caRDI’S VISIOn & ValUeS 15
cArdi’S worK 16
SectIOn 1: BUIlDIng caPacIty • LeadershipProgramme 17• Internationalnetworksandconnections 18• Trainingevents 20
SectIOn 2: SUPPORtIng cOllaBORatIOn anD cOOPeRatIOn • CARDIGrantsProgramme 21• NorthernIrelandCohortfortheLongitudinalStudyofAgeing 22• EventsandSeminars 22
SectIOn 3: cOmmUnIcatIng ageIng ReSeaRch • Keypublications 30• CARDIwebsites 34 • Mediacoverage 35
cArdi STeering group 2007-2015 36
cArdi STAFF 2007-2015 38
AppendiceS 40
1. CARDIfundedresearch 412. LeadershipProgramme 483. CARDIpublications2008-2015 534. SelectionofCARDIworkshops,trainingevents,launchesandseminars2008-2015 57
Contents
Timeline
2003Theideaofanall-IrelandInstituteofAgeingResearchisproposed
FirstmeetingofSteeringGrouptodiscussall-IrelandInstituteofAgeingResearch
Thisgroupcontinuedtomeetandrefineitsconceptoverthenext2years
2005TheInstituteofPublicHealthinIreland(IPH)joinsSteeringGroup
BusinesscaseforCARDIandscopingstudyproduced,IPHagreestohostCARDI
2007DirectorofCARDIappointedandstaffteamcomeonboard
All-Irelandandcross-sectorSteeringGroupestablishedtooverseetheworkofCARDI
2006€2.4msecuredfromTheAtlanticPhilanthropiesandaugmentedbygrantsfromtheDepartmentofHealthandChildren(DOHC)RepublicofIreland(ROI)andtheHealthandSocialCareResearchandDevelopmentOfficeNorthernIreland(NI)whichtotalled€2.97m
2008Webresourceforresearchersinageingwithonlinedatabaselaunched-www.cardi.ie
CARDIstrategylaunchedinBelfastandDublinbyMinistersKelly,DonaldsonandHoctor
FirsteventheldinpartnershipwithStrategicPromotionofAgeingResearchCapacity(SPARC)-DevelopmentsinHousing,HealthandTechnologyforOlderPeople:ShowcasingResearch&Practice
CARDIfacilitatesdiscussiononaNorthernIrelandCohortfortheLongitudinalStudyofAgeing(NICOLA)
2009Firstall-IrelandAgeingResearchGrantsProgrammelaunched-6all-Irelandprojectssupported
SecondcallofCARDIGrantsProgramme-8all-Irelandprojectssupported
2003 20072005 20082006 2009
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 5
2010ThirdcallofCARDIGrantsProgramme-5all-Irelandprojectssupported
Seminarserieson‘InequalitiesinOldAge’takesplaceinBelfast,Dublin&Galway
LaunchofAPictureofAgeingResearchinIreland,NorthandSouth
DataMiningGrantsProgrammeestablishedandlaunched-6all-Irelandprojectssupported
2011InternationalconferenceinassociationwiththeInternationalAssociationofOfficialStatistics,NorthernIrelandStatisticsResearchAgency(NISRA),Queen’sUniversityBelfast(QUB)
AgeingGlobally-AgeingLocallyInternationalConference
InternationalexchangeprogrammeestablishedwithCanada
2012€1.69msecuredfromTheAtlanticPhilanthropies
GroupofpostdoctoralresearchersfromIrelandattendSummerPrograminAging,Vancouver,Canada
FutureLeadersinAgeingResearchinEuropeEventheldinGalwayinassociationwiththeEuropeanResearchAreainAgeing(ERA-AGE)andtheIrishCentreforSocialGerontology(ICSG)
2013CARDIStrategicPlanfor2013-2015launched
InternationalTrainingProgrammeestablished(hostedvisitbyCanadiandelegates)
DataMiningGrantsProgramme-7all-Irelandprojectssupported
Newwebresourcelaunched–Agestats.ie
CARDILeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearchlaunchedsupportedbyTheAtlanticPhilanthropiesandHSCR&DPHANI-2CARDIFellowssupported
2014PortfolioPublication-APictureofAgeingResearchinIreland,NorthandSouth,updated
CARDILeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearch-3CARDIFellowssupported
Inauguralmeeting-CARDILeadershipProgramme
2015CARDILeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearch2014-15 CallinassociationwiththeAmericanFederationforAgingResearch’s(AFAR)PaulBeesonCareerDevelopmentAwardsinAgingResearchProgramfortheislandofIreland-4CARDIFellowssupported
LaunchoffinalresearchbrieffromGrantsprogramme
InternationalLeadershipProgramme-ScientificMeeting
DivisionofAgeingResearchandDevelopmentestablishedwithinTheIPH
2010 20132011 20142012 2015
Foreword
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 7
Foreword
Since its establishment in 2007, the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) has been committed to building a strong and lasting community of researchers in ageing in Ireland, North and South.
ThroughitsfundingactivitiesithassupportedinnovativeresearchintoissuesaffectingtheageingpopulationoftheislandofIreland.However,fundingresearchersisnottheendofthestoryforCARDI’swork.CARDI’steamhasfocusedoncommunicationandtranslationofageingresearchtohelpevidenceinfluencepoliciesandpractices.
Workingcloselywithresearchers,thevoluntaryandcommunitysectorandpolicy-makerstoforgerelationshipshasbeencentraltoCARDI’sworktodate.
AconsiderableamountofdiscussionprecededthedevelopmentofCARDI.ItsfoundationswereinitiatedbyaSteeringGroupcomposedofrepresentativesfromacademic,government,non-government,voluntaryandcommunitysectors,withsupportfromTheAtlanticPhilanthropies.
In2003DrKenLogueofTheAtlanticPhilanthropiesapproachedProfessorBobStoutQUBforsuggestionsonhowAtlanticcouldincreaseitsfundingofageingresearchinIreland.ProfessorStoutcontactedProfessorDavisCoakleyTCDandinassociationwithDrLoguetheymetanumberofleadersfromtheacademicandvoluntarysectorsacrossIreland,NorthandSouth.FromthisgroupaSteeringGroupwasformedwithrepresentationfromacademic,government,voluntaryandcommunitysectorswithDrLoguecontinuinginasupportiverole.
Theinitialsteeringgroupmembersincluded:BobCarrollfromTheNationalCouncilonAgeingandOlderPeopleinDublin;DeryckPattersonfromAgeConcern;GraceHenryfromHelptheAged;DrDenisO’MahonyandProfessorCillianTwomeyfromCorkUniversityHospital;ProfessorEamonO’SheafromtheNationalUniversityofIrelandGalway(NUIG);RobinWebsterfromAgeActionIreland;ProfessorStoutandProfessorCoakley,Co-ChairsofCARDI.
ProfessorStoutpresentedapaperontheconceptofanall-IrelandinstituteofageingandotherpapersweredevelopedandpresentedbyProfessorO’Shea,RobinWebster,ProfessorTwomeyandDrO’Mahony.TheSteeringGroupcontinuedtomeetoverthefollowingyears,workingwithTheAtlanticPhilanthropiestoadvanceitsproposal.
TheproposalwastheestablishmentoftheCentreforAgeingResearchandDevelopmentinIreland(CARDI)centredonencouraging,supportingandenhancingageingresearchacrosstheislandofIreland.In2005,tohelpadvancetheideaandinordertoavoidthesetupofanewlegalentity,theSteeringGroupapproachedtheInstituteofPublicHealthinIreland(IPH)toconsiderhostingCARDI.DrJaneWildeCEOandOwenMetcalfeDirectorfromIPHplayedakeyroleinthefurtherdevelopmentofthenewCentreandtworeportswerecommissionedtosupportanapplicationforfunding.
TheAtlanticPhilanthropiesagreedtofundtheestablishmentofCARDI.ThiswasaugmentedwithgrantsfromtheDOHC(ROI)andfromtheHSCR&DOfficeNI.TheIPHagreedtohostCARDIandprovideitslegalandfinancialstatus.
Anewsteeringgroupwasestablishedin2007tooverseetheworkofCARDI,whichcontinuedtobechairedbyProfessorsCoakleyandStout,andincludedGabrielleJacobNationalCouncilonAgeingandOlderPeople;OwenMetcalfeIPH;DrO’MahonyCorkUniversityHospital;AnneO’ReillyAgeConcern;ProfessorO’SheaNUIG;RobinWebsterAgeActionIrelandandDrRogerO’SullivanCARDI.
8 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Followinganextensiveperiodofconsultationourfirststrategy2008-2011waslaunchedinbothBelfastandDublinin2008byMinistersresponsibleforolderpeople’sservicesandpolicy–MinistersKellyandDonaldsonfromtheOfficeoftheFirstMinisterandDeputyFirstMinister(OFMDFM),andMinisterHoctorfromtheDOHC(ROI).
CARDI’sfirststrategyfocusedonfourthemes:• IdentifyingandestablishingageingresearchprioritiesrelevanttopolicyandpracticeinIreland,NorthandSouth;
• PromotinggreatercollaborationandcooperationonageingresearchinordertobuildanageingresearchcommunityinIreland,NorthandSouth;
• StimulatingresearchinpriorityareasthatcaninformpolicyandpracticerelatingtoageingandolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth;
• CommunicatingstrategicresearchissuesonageingtoraisetheprofileofageingresearchinIreland,NorthandSouth,anditsroleininformingpolicyandpractice.
In2013buildingonthesuccessofourfirststrategy,wepublishedastrategyfocusedonsupportingthedevelopmentofnext-generationleadershipandresearchtranslation.
CARDI’sstrategy(2013-2015)centredonthreeareasofwork:• Stimulating,supportinganddevelopingstrategicageresearchinIreland,NorthandSouth;• DevelopingskilledleadersonageingresearchacrosstheislandofIreland;• Translatingandcommunicatingrelevantresearchtohelpensureithasthemaximumimpactonagepolicyandpractice.
CARDIhas,fromdayone,focusedonencouragingcollaborationamongageresearchers,disseminatingresearchinformationrelevanttoanageingpopulationandadvocatingontheroleofageingresearchinIreland,NorthandSouth.
Ourunderlyingpurposehasremainedtoimprovethelivesoftheever-increasingnumberofolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth,bysupportingpolicy-relevantresearch.
ThisreportprovidesaflavouroftheworkthathasbeenundertakensinceCARDI’sestablishment.Ithasbeenanexcitingjourneywatchingourthoughtsmoveintoaction.WearedelightedthatageingresearchinIreland,NorthandSouth,isflourishingandthespiritofco-operationacrosstheislandofIrelandisnowstrongerthaneverbefore.
ThenextphasewillseetheintegrationofCARDIintoTheIPHinIrelandin2015wherebyaDivisionofAgeingResearchandDevelopmentwillbeestablishedwithintheInstitute.ThisprovidesagreatopportunitytobuildontheachievementsofCARDIandhelpdeveloptheageingagendafurtheracrosstheislandofIreland.
Finally,wewouldliketotakethisopportunitytothanktheSteeringGroupofCARDIanditsteamfortheirtimeanddedication.WearegratefulforthesupportofTheAtlanticPhilanthropies,theHealthandSocialCareResearchandDevelopmentOfficeandtheResearchandDevelopmentDivisionofthePublicHealthAgency(NI),theDepartmentofHealthandChildren(ROI),OfficeoftheFirstMinisterandDeputyFirstMinister,andtheInstituteofPublicHealthinIrelandformakingthisworkpossible.
Professor Davis coakley Professor Bob StoutCo-ChairCARDI Co-ChairCARDI
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 9
Introduction
10 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Today 1.1 million people aged 60 and over live on the island of Ireland; by 2041 there will be 2.44 million aged 60 and over – nearly one-third of the population. We are living longer than ever before and many of us are living healthier lives into old age, though this is not universal. Considerable health, social and economic inequalities have yet to be overcome to help us achieve a healthy, active and fulfilling old age for all.
why Ageing research mattersAnageingpopulationbringsimplicationsforpolicy,servicedeliveryandlong-termplanningindiverseareassuchastransport,health,housing,educationandemployment.Researchcanplayavitalroleinhelpingtoinformbetterpolicy-makingandplanningforthisageingpopulationwhichwillhelpimprovethelivesofolderpeopleacrosstheislandofIreland.
Ageing research in ireland, north and SouthAsidefrombranchesofscienceandmedicineageingasatopicofresearchisquiteanewphenomenoninIreland,NorthandSouth.Whileresearchactivityexistedwithinacademia,governmentalandnon-governmentalsectorsittraditionallytendedtobequitefragmentedanddispersed.Individualresearchersandcentreshadwell-establishedreputationsbuttherewaslittlecoordinationandintegrationbetweenresearchersthemselvesandbetweenthoseinthepolicy-makingandpracticesectorsrelatingtoageing.Furthermorethereexistedaconsiderableamountofresearchthatmighthavebeenrelevanttoageingbutwasnotbeingfedintopolicy-making.
development of cArdi AgainstthisbackgroundCARDI’sfoundationswereinitiatedbyaSteeringGroupestablishedin2003.Comprisingleadersfromtheresearchcommunity,government,non-government,andvoluntaryandcommunitysectors,thisgroupsetinmotiontheestablishmentofanall-islandorganisationtofosteranddevelopageingresearchinIreland,NorthandSouth.
ChairedbyProfessorBobStoutQUBandProfessorDavisCoakleyTrinityCollegeDublin(TCD),thegrouprecognisedtheneedforanall-islandorganisationtosupportageingresearchtohelpithaveanimpactonpolicy-makingandplanningfortheageing.In2005,TheIPHjoinedtheSteeringGroupandagreedtohostCARDI.AbusinesscaseandapplicationgainedsupportfromTheAtlanticPhilanthropies,augmentedbygrantsfromtheHealthandSocialCareResearch&DevelopmentOffice(NI)andtheDOHC(ROI).
ItwasagreedthatCARDIoperateatastrategiclevelandfocusonbuildingcapacityamongtheresearchcommunity,andfacilitatingconnectionsbetweenacademiaandpolicysectors.
CARDIwasestablishedin2007withtheunderlyingpurposeofimprovingthelivesofthegrowingnumberofolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth,bysupportinghighqualitypolicy-relevantresearch.Recognisingthevalueofcooperationandpoolingofresourcesandexpertiseitsoughttoencourageandstimulateresearchthatworkedacrossborders,disciplinesandsectorsintoageingissues.In2015,CARDIwillbeincorporatedintoTheIPHasaDivisionofAgeingResearchandDevelopment,focusedonutilisingtheevidencebasetohelpimprovepoliciesandservicesforolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth.
Introduction
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 11
CARDI Overview
12 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Email: [email protected]: www.cardi.ie
2007-2015 at a Glance
Since 2007 CARDI has delivered a highly successful programme of work which has advanced ageing research, raised the profile of the research community and helped draw attention to the central role research can play in improving later life for all citizens of Ireland, North and South.
Highlightsinclude:
research grants programme CARDIdeliveredahighlysuccessfulall-Irelandinterdisciplinarygrantsprogramme.ThirtytworesearchprojectswerefundedbyCARDIincluding13projectswhichfocusedondatamining.Awardsrangedfrombetween€2,000and€85,000.Theprogrammefundedresearchinareasincludinghealthandillness(inappropriateprescribing,multimorbidity,heartdiseaseanddisability);physicalactivity(falls,brainfunction,mentalhealth);incomeandpoverty(fuelpoverty,impactoftherecession,pensions);dementia(end-of-lifecare,medication);socialexclusion(ruralageing,transport);caresystems(apredictivemodelforlong-termcare).
leadership programmeIn2013CARDIestablishedaspecificprogrammefocusedonsupportingthenextgenerationleadersinageingresearch.Itinvested€2milliontofundnineCARDIFellowswhowillinvestigatekeyissuesinageingresearchincludingdietandcognitivehealth,frailty,theimpactofstressoncognitiveandcardiovascularhealthinolderpeople,andthelinksbetweensocialisolationandcognitiveoutcomesinlaterlife.
communication and translation CARDIestablishedanageingresearchwebsitewithanonlinedatabaseofresearchers;ane-libraryofover4,000publicationsaswellasthelatestnews,eventsandfundingopportunities.CARDIproducedover140publications,includinggrantsprogrammebriefings,monthlye-bulletins,substantialpaperse.g.APictureofAgeingResearchinIreland(2010)(2014);IllustratingAgeinginIreland,NorthandSouth(2010);occasionalpaperse.g.StocktakeofAgeingPublicPolicyInitiativesinIreland,NorthandSouth(2010),GovernmentStructuresinIreland,NorthandSouth(2010),GlobalAgeing(2011)andKeepingActiveforBetterAgeing(2015);andresourcedocumentse.g.10GuidelinesforWritingPolicyRecommendations(2012)andAGuidetoUserInvolvementinAgeingResearch(2014).ThejournalQualityinAgeingandOlderAdultspublishedaspecialeditionofCARDI’swork.
commissioned research ResearchprojectswerecommissionedbyCARDIinspecificgapareasincludinghowtheoriesofageingimpactonpolicy-making;increasinghealthylifeexpectancy;approachesindementiacare;lonelinessandageinginIreland,NorthandSouth.Inaddition,CARDIwasfundedbytheOFMDFMtoconductpolicy-focusedresearchonkeyareasrelatingtoageingincludingruraltransport,olderpeople’suseofonlinegovernmentinformationandservices,involvingolderpeopleinageingresearch,andwealthandinequalitiesintheolderpopulation.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 13
Strategic partnerships Arangeofstrategicpartnerswasestablishedinthisperiod:forexample,inconjunctionwiththeCanadianInstitutesofHealthResearchInstituteofAging(CIHRIA)weestablishedaninternationalexchangepartnershipforemergingleadersinageingresearch.CARDIworkedwithAFAR’sPaulBeesonCareerDevelopmentAwardsinAgingResearchProgramtohelpbuildcapacityandsupportthedevelopmentoffutureleadersinageingresearchincludingthesponsorshipof2CARDIFellows.
CARDIsupportedQUBtoestablishNICOLA,asignificantpieceofresearchinfrastructure.Launchedin2014,thislongitudinalstudyonageinginvolves8,500peopleaged50andoverrandomlyselectedfromacrossNI.Thisstudywillprovidevaluableinformationforpolicy-makersandserviceprovidersinplanningforanageingpopulation.ItwillcomplementTILDAandthefamilyofnationalandinternationallongitudinalstudiesonageing.
CARDIinthisperiodbecameamemberoftheInternationalAssociationofGerontologyandGeriatrics’GlobalAgeingResearchNetworkandalsoanassociatememberofERA-AGE.
networking CARDIheld60+eventswithover3,500attendees.Theseincludedaninternationalconferenceonageingresearchwhichattracted400nationalandinternationaldelegatesfromacademic,governmentalandnon-governmentalorganisationsfrom20differentcountries.
EventpartnersacrosssectorsandgeographiesincludedSPARC,CentreforExcellenceinUniversalDesign,ChangingAgeingPartnership,ReminiscenceNetworkNorthernIreland(RNNI),TheIPH,NUIG,IrishRuralLink,RuralCommunityNetwork,TheAgeandEmploymentNetwork,InternationalLongevityCentreUK,KT-Equal,NISRA,QUB,OFMDFM,TCD,UniversityofLimerick(UL),UlsterUniversity(UU),LinkingGenerations,ERA-AGE,PHA(NI),BritishGeriatricsSociety,TheIrishLongitudinalStudyonAgeing(TILDA),CentreforPublicHealth,IrishNetworkforResearchinDementiaandNeurodegeneration(INRDND),AlzheimerSocietyofIrelandandAlzheimer’sSociety(UK).
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GRANTS PROGRAMME
CARDI OUTPUTS
WEBSITE
OVER
users of CARDI website
370,000 E-library of over
4,000 publications
€grants projects & networks funded
9 LEADERSHIP AWARDS
9
32
PUBLICATIONS EVENTS
including research briefs, commissioned research papers, policy briefs and monthly
e-bulletins and Focus On... articles
60+ events (seminars, workshops, conferences)
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED
140 OVER
60+ EVENTS
WITH OVER 3,500 ATTENDEES
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 15
GRANTS PROGRAMME
CARDI OUTPUTS
WEBSITE
OVER
users of CARDI website
370,000 E-library of over
4,000 publications
€grants projects & networks funded
9 LEADERSHIP AWARDS
9
32
PUBLICATIONS EVENTS
including research briefs, commissioned research papers, policy briefs and monthly
e-bulletins and Focus On... articles
60+ events (seminars, workshops, conferences)
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED
140 OVER
60+ EVENTS
WITH OVER 3,500 ATTENDEES
Vision
“The island of Ireland as a place of excellence in ageing research contributing to the highest possible standard of life for our ageing population.”
Values• Relevance Promotionofresearchtoadvanceolderpeople’sneedsandrightsinIreland,NorthandSouth,andinternationally.
• Fairness Promotionofresearchthatstrengthenstherights,justiceandsocialequalityofolderpeopleacrosstheislandofIreland.
• Reliability Encouraginghighlyauthentic,robust,high-qualityandtrustworthyresearch,inperformance,interpretationandapplication.
• Independence CARDIiscommittedtoindependence,objectivity,qualityandintegrityintheresearchprocessandinthedeliveryofitswork.
• Inclusivity Userengagementandstakeholderinvolvementinformthedesign,implementationandapplicationofresearch.
• Ethical Researchcommissioningmeetsthehighestethicalstandardsandprocedures.
CARDI’s Vision & Values
16 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
CARDI’s Work
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 17
From its foundation a crucial part of CARDI’s remit was to help build capacity within the ageing research community in Ireland, North and South. It achieved this through a variety of activities which included providing funding and training opportunities for early career researchers and providing opportunities for researchers to network and learn from national and international colleagues engaged in research on ageing. This section looks at some of the core activities focused on building expertise among researchers across the island of Ireland.
LeadershipProgramme
Section 1 Building capacity
Pictured CARDI Fellows with CARDI Co-Chairs (l-r): Joanne Feeney, Charlotte Neville, Professor Bob Stout, Mark O’Doherty, Professor Davis Coakley, Joanna McHugh, Aisling O ‘Halloran.
In2013CARDIlaunchedapioneeringLeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearch.Itspurposewastosupportanewgenerationofageingresearchers.Ithassupportedninepostdoctoralfellowstocarryouthigh-qualityresearchintoaspectsofageingandundertaketrainingtodeveloptheirskillsandknowledge.TheFellowsareconductingresearchonarangeofissuesincludingfrailtyandageing;dietanddementia;socialisolationandcognitivedecline;functionaldecline;fallsanddiabetes;andcommunication.
The programme is overseen by an international Scientific Advisory panel consisting of:• ProfessorAnneMartin-Matthews(Chair)-UniversityofBritishColumbia,Canada• ProfessorWilliamRHazzard-JPaulStichtCenteronAging,USA• ProfessorCarolJagger-InstituteforAgeingandHealth,NewcastleUniversity,UK• DrGiovanniLamura-NationalInstituteofHealth&ScienceonAgeing,Italy
TheCARDILeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearchissupportedbytheHSCR&DPHANI,TheAtlanticPhilanthropiesandAFAR’sPaulBeesonCareerDevelopmentAwardsinAgingResearchProgramfortheislandofIreland.
18 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
InternationalnetworksandconnectionsSince2007CARDIhasbeenforginginternationalnetworksandconnectionswiththeaimofraisingtheprofileofageingresearchbeingcarriedoutinIreland,NorthandSouth,andprovidingopportunitiesforresearcherstolearnfrominternationalcolleagues.
In2011CARDIandCIHRIAestablishedanexchangeprogrammefocusedonbuildingcapacityamongageingresearchers.CARDIhashostedanumberofinternationaltrainingexchangesinwhichresearchersfromIreland,NorthandSouth,andinternationalresearchershaveparticipated.Theseexchangeshaveofferedsignificantcapacity-buildingandnetworkingopportunitiesfortheearlycareerresearchers.
canadian Summer program in Aging 2012InMay2012CARDIinassociationwithCIHRIAsupportedfiveresearcherstoattendtheCanadianSummerPrograminAgingatSimonFraserUniversity.Theprogrammefocusedonthethemeoftechnologyandageing.
Pictured: Delegates from Ireland who attended the Canadian Summer Program in Aging 2012 along with Professor Yves Joanette and Joanne Goldberg CIHR IA
Future leaders in Ageing research meetingIn2012CARDIinassociationwithERA-AGEandICSGhosteda3daysummerschoolatNUIG.TheSummerSchoolsbroughttogetherFLAREFellows(pastandpresent)andotherpostdoctoralresearchersfromERA-AGEpartnercountriesinthreedaysoflectures,discussiongroups,networkingandsocialevents.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 19
Pictured (l-r): Professor Davis Coakley CARDI, Dr Stacy Tessler Lindau University of Chicago, His Excellency Loyola Hearn Canadian Ambassador Ireland and Professor Rose Anne Kenny TCD.
cArdi international Training programme on Ageing
InSeptember2013CARDIhostedaninternationaltrainingprogrammeonageingatTCD.Thethree-daycourse,organisedinconjunctionwithCIHRIAandTILDA,wasattendedbyparticipantsfromIreland,NorthandSouth,Canada,AustraliaandtheUK.TheattendeeswereaddressedbyleadersintheageingresearchfieldincludingProfessorRoseAnneKennyTCD,ProfessorSusanKirklandDalhousieUniversity,ProfessorPaddyHillyardQUBandProfessorVirpiTimonenTCD.
Beeson Annual Training meetingIn2014and2015,CARDIworkinginpartnershipwithAFARsupportedCARDIFellowstoattendtheannualBeeson4daytrainingmeetingintheUSA.ThismeetingprovidedtheFellowswithanopportunitytolearnfrominternationalcolleaguesengagedinageingresearchinavarietyofdisciplines.
canadian Summer program in Aging 2015In2015CARDIandCIHRIAcontinuedtheirpartnershipbyofferinganopportunityforPhDandpostdoctoralresearcherstoattendtheCanadianSummerPrograminAginginTorontowhichfocusedonthethemeoftheolderworker.
Support capacity building in dementia research InSeptember2015CARDI,inassociationwithINRDND,AlzheimerSocietyofIreland,Alzheimer’sSociety(UK),AlzheimerSocietyofCanadaandCIHRIAhostedathreedayInternationalTrainingProgrammeonAgeingatTCD.ItfocusedonthethemeofDementiaandMemoryImpairmentandwasaimedatPhD,postdoctoralstudentsandearlycareerresearchers.
20 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
ethics TrainingIn2012CARDIheldatrainingeventonthethemeofethics.Thetraining,aimedatresearchersanddeliveredbyDrRonIphofen,exploredtheethicalissuesinvolvedincarryingoutageingresearchincludingtheprocessesinvolvedinattainingacademicethicalapprovalforprojectsdirectlyinvolvingolderpeoplethemselvesinresearch.
understanding ageing and attitudes towards older peopleCARDIdesignedandhostedspecialtrainingdaysonunderstandingandaccessingageingresearch.Forexamplein2014itdeliveredtrainingtothestaffoftheCommissionerforOlderPeopleinNI.
1Building Stronger User Engagement in Age Research – A Guide to User Involvement in Ageing Research
A GUIDE TO USER INVOLVEMENT IN AGEING RESEARCH
cardi-execsummary-UserEngage-draft4.indd 1 12/03/2014 15:03
user engagementInMarchandMay2014CARDIhostedtwoworkshops(BelfastandDublin)onthetheme:‘Whyandhowtogetinvolvedinageingresearch’.Theeventsaimedatthevoluntaryandcommunitysectorfocusedonopportunitiestoengageolderpeopleandcharitiesinageingresearchandissuessurroundinguserengagementinresearch.
Pictured (l-r): Professor Maurice Mulvenna UU, Audrey Lockhart RNNI, Professor Davis Coakley CARDI, Professor Faith Gibson RNNI and Professor Bob Woods Bangor University.
TrainingeventsTrainingandbuildingcapacityintheageingsectorhasbeenacentralpartofCARDI’swork.CARDIhashostedanumberoftrainingeventsforresearchersandthevoluntaryandcommunitysector.Thefollowingisaselectionoftheeventsheld:
reminiscence workshop and showcase event - 2010CARDIandtheRNNIheldanall-IrelandworkshopinFebruary2010entitled:YourMemoriesMatter-ShowcasingReminiscenceResearch.Researchersinterestedinreminiscencehadanopportunitytolearnabouteachother’swork,furtherdeveloptheirresearchideasandidentifypossiblepartnersforfuturecollaboration.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 21
When CARDI was established it was apparent that although ageing research was being carried out in a variety of disciplines in academic institutions there was little collaboration between researchers. Through its grants programme and events CARDI sought to bridge the gaps between researchers and institutions. Part of this work included funding collaborative research projects and networks that brought together researchers from different institutions and disciplines. CARDI’s events and seminars have also offered important opportunities for researchers to network and become aware of ageing research work being carried out across the island of Ireland. This section gives an overview of CARDI’s grants-making activities as well as offering a brief selection of the many events and seminars it has hosted.
CARDIGrantsProgrammeIn2009CARDIlaunchedthefirstall-Irelandageingresearchgrantsprogramme.Thegrantsprogrammeofferedfundingtoresearcherstocarryoutcross-border,interdisciplinaryandcross-sectorresearchintoageingissues.ItranthreefurtherfundingcallsunderthisprogrammeuntilOctober2010.Thegrantscallsattractedapplicationsfromresearchersacrossarangeofdisciplinesfrombiomedicaltosocialscienceallofwhomwerecommittedtoprojectswhichexaminedissuesrelatingtoageing.
CARDIawardedfundingto32researchprojectsandnetworksthroughitsgrantsanddataminingprogrammes.
Thefundedprojectsandnetworksfellundersixmainthemes:• HealthandIllness• Dementia• PhysicalActivity• IncomeandInequalities• CareSystems• SocialInclusion
Subjectsresearchedunderhealthandillnessincludedinappropriateprescribinginlong-termcarefacilities,prescribingattheendoflife,agevariablesinaccesstotreatmentforprostatecancer,heartdiseaseanddisability,multimorbidity,cognitivehealthanddisadvantage,frailtyanddisability,andinequalitiesinhealthbehaviours.
Underthethemeofdementiaprojectsincludedendoflifecarestandardsforpeoplewithdementia,theroleofdietandcognitivehealth.
Physicalactivity-themedresearchincludedfallsanduseofvideogames;pain,physicalactivityanddepression;andphysicalactivity,ageingandhealth.
Underthethemeofincomeandinequalitiesresearchersundertookprojectssuchasinequalitiesinincomeamongolderpeople,impactoftherecessiononolderpeople,fuelpovertyandwomen’saccesstopensions.
Care-themedresearchprojectsfocusedontelecare,apredictivemodeloflong-termcareandolderpeople’sattitudestowardselderabuse.
Section 2 Supporting collaboration and cooperation
22 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Underthesocialinclusionthemeresearchwascompletedonruralageing,socialexclusion,ruraltransportanduniversaldesign.
Inadditiontofunding,CARDIfacilitatedthecommunicationanddisseminationofresearchfindingssotheevidencegatheredcouldbetargetedatrelevantpolicy-makersandserviceproviders.Researchbriefswereproducedandeventsandseminarsarrangedtocommunicateresearchfindingsandincreasetheirimpact.
NorthernIrelandCohortfortheLongitudinalStudyofAgeingCARDIwasinstrumentalinsupportingthedevelopmentoftheQUB-ledNICOLAproject.LaunchedinFebruary2014itinvolves8,500peopleaged50andoverwhowillberandomlyselectedfromacrossNItotakepartinthisstudy.
NICOLAwillcollectinformationonhealthandsocialcareutilisation,healthbehaviours,medication,mental,physicalandcognitivehealth,employment,finances,retirement,socialconnectedness,socialparticipation,drivingandtravel,housing,consumptionandexpectations.Ithasaspecialfocusonintergenerationalpoverty,transitionpointsinageingandtheeffectsofdietontheagingprocess.ThestudywillalsoincludequestionsofspecificrelevancetoNI.
NICOLAwillprovidevaluableinformationforpolicy-makersandserviceprovidersinplanningforanageingpopulation.ItwillcomplementTILDAandthefamilyofnationalandinternationallongitudinalstudiesonageing.
EventsandSeminarsSince2007CARDIhashostedover60eventsattracting3,500+attendees.Theseincludedresearchlaunches,themedseminarsandaninternationalconferenceonageingwhichattracted400nationalandinternationaldelegates.ThissectionprovidesanoverviewofaselectionofCARDI’sevents2008-2015.
2008
cArdi launchesAttwolauncheventsinDublinandBelfast,leadersfromtheageingsector,academiaandpolicy-makersjoinedtohearCARDI’svisionwhereageingresearchcouldplayacentralroleininformingevidence-basedpolicytohelpimprovethelivesofolderpeopleacrosstheislandofIreland.
launch at StormontPictured (l-r): Máire Hoctor Minister of State for Older People DOHC (ROI), Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI and Dr Jane Wilde IPH.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 23
launch at Farmleigh
Showcasing Ageing researchInJune2008CARDIandSPARCjoinedforcestohostaneventinBelfast.Theeventattractedover90delegateswhoheardpresentationsfromleadingresearchersfromQUB,UU,TCD,UniversityCollegeLondon,DundalkInstituteofTechnology(DKIT),LoughboroughUniversityandtheUniversityofSterling.InDecember2008afurthereventwasheldinCrokeParkwithSPARCandtheCentreforExcellenceinUniversalDesignwhichincludedpresentationsbyresearchersfromNUIG,DKIT,QUB,UU,TCDandMiddlesexUniversity.
A Statistical profile on Ageing in ireland Thisseminar,heldinNewry,broughttogetherstatisticiansfromIreland,NorthandSouth,tosharethefindingsfromaforthcomingquantitativecomparativepublicationbyCARDIonageingusingofficialdata.Discussionfocusedonmethodologicalchallengesinbringingforwardcomparativeresearch.
2009
Building relationships and making linkages between research and policy CARDIhostedthefirstcross-bordermeetingofpolicy-makersworkingonolderpeople’sissuesandageingin2009.Thisinvolvedanopportunityforpolicy-makersandresearcherstoexchangepolicylearning.AttendeesincludedROIrepresentativesfromtheDepartmentsoftheTaoiseach,JusticeandEquality,Education,Arts,EnterpriseandRuralAffairsaswellasstafffromtheOfficeofOlderPeopleintheDOHC(ROI)andNIrepresentativesfromOFMDFM,PHAandNISRA.LeadingresearchersfromQUB,TCD,UL,UU,UniversityCollegeDublin(UCD),NUIGandtheRoyalCollegeofSurgeonsinIreland(RCSI)werealsoinattendance.
Pictured (l-r): Dr Ken Logue The Atlantic Philanthropies, Anne O’Reilly Age Concern NI and Professor Bob Stout CARDI.
Professor Peter Lansley University of Reading
24 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Professor Paddy Hillyard
Pictured (l-r): Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI, Professor Noah Keating University of Alberta, Mr Michael Hughes Rural Community Network and Seamus Boland Irish Rural Link.
2010
The impact of the recession on older people
ProfessorPaddyHillyardpresentedfindingsfromCARDI-fundedresearchonhowtherecessionhadimpactedonolderpeopleataneventatCrokeParkDublin.Theseminarexploredthedifferencesinincomesamongtheolderpopulationandhowtherecessionhadimpactedondifferentsectionsofthepopulation.Theeventhighlightedtheimportanceofprotectingthemostvulnerableolderpeopleinsocietyamidstbudgetaryconstraintsatnationallevels.
InDecember2010CARDIhosteda2dayeventonruralageingandtherecessioninconjunctionwiththeICSG,IrishRuralLinkandtheRuralCommunityNetworkNIatNUIG.Theseminarfeaturedcontributionsfrominternationalandnationalexpertsinthefieldsofageingresearchandruralpolicy.ItalsoshowcasedfindingsfromtwoCARDIfundedresearchprojectsrelatingtoageinginaruralcontext:ruralageingandsocialisolationledbyDrKieranWalshNUIGandruraltransportledbyDrAoifeAhernUCD.
An age old problem - where now for rural services?
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 25
Professor Paddy Hillyard
2011
lost in Translation - How to communicate most effectively with non-academicsKT-EqualandCARDIjointlyhostedatrainingdayforresearchersfocusedoncommunicationinJune2011.Theprogrammeincludedtrainingoncommunicatingresearchtopolicy-makersandmedia,engagingwitholderpeopleandhowtoavoidkeymessagesgettinglostintranslationwhendiscussingageingissues.
international conference: Ageing globally - Ageing locallySirMichaelMarmotwasthekeynotespeakeratCARDI’sInternationalConferenceonAgeingheldinDublininNovember2011.Thethemeofthe2-dayconferencewasAgeingGlobally-AgeingLocallyanditwasopenedbyPresidentofIrelandMaryMcAleese.FeaturingahostofinternationalexpertsaswellasleadingresearchersandprofessionalsfromtheageingsectorintheislandofIrelanditwasattendedby400nationalandinternationaldelegatesfrom20differentcountriesand50differentuniversities.
Pictured (l-r): Professor Rose Anne Kenny TCD, President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Professor Anne Martin-Matthews University of British Columbia and Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI.
Mary McAleese opens CARDI’s international conference
Pictured (l-r): James McEldowney OFMDFM, Professor Gail Mountain KT-Equal and University of Sheffield, Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI and Professor Trevor Cox University of Salford.
26 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
2012
end of life prescribing
Pictured (l-r): Ms Grainne McGettrick The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Dr Shaun O’Keefe University Hospital Galway and Professor Carmel Hughes Queen’s University Belfast.
InJuly2012CARDIlaunchedall-Irelandresearchwhichfoundconsiderableuncertaintyandvariationinthemedicinesdoctorswouldprescribeforpatientswithdementiaattheendoflifewhenpresentedwithclinicalscenarios.TheresearchfoundevidencethatGPsandhospitalphysiciansindicatedtheywouldcontinuewithdementiamedicationsandstatins,andprescribeantibioticswhenthereislimitedevidenceofbenefitstopatientswithdementiaatendoflife.
Professor Cathy Craig QUB demonstrates use of Wii games to improve balance
InOctober2012CARDIlaunchedresearchfindingswhichshowedhowspeciallydesignedcomputergamescouldhelppreventfallsinolderpeople.ProfessorCathyCraigQUBdemonstratedhowusingvideogamescanhelpimprovethebalanceofolderpeopleandhelptopreventfallswhicharealeadingcauseofdeathandseriousinjuryfortheover60s.
A wii bit of fun can help prevent falls
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 27
Pictured (l-r): Dr Roger O’Sullivan Professor Bob Stout CARDI, Professor Irene Hardill University of Northumbria, Bill McCluggage Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (ROI) and Healy King of the Workers’ Educational Association (NI).
InOctober2013CARDIlaunchedareportentitled“E-governmentandolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth”.ThereportauthoredbyProfessorIreneHardillandcommissionedbyOFMDFMfoundthatwhilethenumbersofolderpeoplewithaccesstoandusingtheinternetareincreasingthesenumbersremainlowincomparisontootheragegroups.
2013
online government 2013
2014
Housing for an ageing population
Pictured (l-r): Owen Metcalfe IPH, Claire Keatinge Commissioner for Older People for NI, Professor Anthea Tinker King’s College London and David Silke Housing Agency (ROI).
Choice,fairnessandtenurewerethreekeythemesrelatedtohousingthatemergedfromaCARDIseminar,“Housingforanageingpopulation”thattookplaceinBelfastinFebruary2014.ProfessorAntheaTinkerofKing’sCollegeLondongavethekeynoteaddress.
28 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Pictured (l-r): Duane Farrell Age NI, Robin Webster Age Action, Evelyn Collins CBE Equality Commission (NI), Paul McGill CARDI and Professor Paddy Hillyard.
wealth and inequalities
InJune2014,CARDIlaunchedthefindingsfromtworesearchprojectsonthethemesofwealthandinequalitiesamongolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth.Theprojectsexamineddifferencesinwealthbetweengenerationsaswellasconsideringthesocio-economicinequalitieswithintheolderpopulationacrosstheislandofIreland.SpeakersattheeventincludedCARDI’sPaulMcGill,ProfessorPaddyHillyard,EvelynCollinsCBEEqualityCommission(NI)andRobinWebsterAgeActionIreland.
Pictured (l-r): Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI, Dr Cate Hartigan Health Service Executive, Professor Ken Fox University of Bristol and Dr Mark Tully QUB.
InSeptember2014CARDIhosted‘Keepingactiveforbetterageing’,aseminarthatdiscussedthebenefitsforolderpeopleandthereasonswhyolderpeopleasagroupdonothavehigherlevelsofphysicalactivity.Thehealthexpertsgatheredheardthebenefitsofphysicalactivityforolderpeopleandspeakersexploredpoliciesandpracticesthatcanhelppromoteitinolderpeople.
physical Activity 2014
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 29
Future directions and collective Strengths in dementia researchCARDIinassociationwithINRDND,theAlzheimerSocietyofIrelandandAlzheimer’sSocietyNIhostedanetworkingandinformationsharingeventondementiaresearchacrosstheislandofIrelandinDecember2014inDublin.Thiseventbroughttogetherleadingresearchers,voluntarygroups,policy-makersandfundersofdementiaresearchtodiscussthecurrentstateofdementiaresearchandfuturedirectionsforresearchersandfunders.
InMarch2015CARDIlaunchedresearchfindingsontheratesandimpactsofheartdiseaseamongolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth.ThestudywasledbyProfessorFrankKee,DirectoroftheCentreofExcellenceforPublicHealth(NI)QUB.UsingdatafromtheNIHealthSurveyandTILDAitwasfoundthatolderpeopleinNorthernIrelandweremorelikelytosufferfromcoronaryheartdiseasethanthoseintheRepublicofIreland.
Pictured (l-r): Dr Kate Irving DCU and Professor Brian Lawlor TCD
Pictured (l-r): Professor Frank Kee and Dr Sharon Cruise QUB
2015
30 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Communicating research has been a central element of CARDI’s work since its establishment. Effective communication means that research can have a greater impact by bringing it to new audiences and to the attention of those engaged in policy and planning for the ageing population. CARDI’s communication work includes using a variety of media including reaching out to traditional media and paving new pathways for research communication online. This work involved the careful translation of research reports to make them user-friendly and distill key messages, as well as using offline and online media tools to disseminate research findings, start and inform public debate and reach new audiences. This section provides a brief overview of CARDI’s communications activities including publications, website and media work.
KeypublicationsCARDIhasproduced140publicationsofdifferentformatsincludingresearchbriefs,monthlye-bulletinsandtwoeditionsofanall-islanddirectoryofageingresearch.OtherpublicationsincludeastatisticaloverviewofageingIllustratingAgeinginIreland,NorthandSouth(2010);occasionalpaperse.g.StocktakeofAgeingPublicPolicyInitiativesinIreland,NorthandSouth(2010),GovernmentStructuresinIreland,NorthandSouth(2010),GlobalAgeing(2011),InnovationinPolicy:InsightsforAgeing(2013),UnderstandingSocio-EconomicInequalitiesAffectingOlderPeople(2014)andKeepingActiveforBetterAgeing(2015);andresourcedocumentse.g.10GuidelinesforWritingPolicyRecommendations(2012).In2012thejournalQualityinAgeingandOlderAdultspublishedaspecialeditionfeaturingCARDI’swork.Thissectionprovidesaselectionofthesepublications.
Section 3 Communicating ageing research
illustrating ageing in ireland, north and South: key facts and figures ThereportIllustrating ageing in Ireland, North and South waslaunchedinJanuary2010.ItdrewtogetherkeyfactsandfiguresfromdatasourcesinNorthernIrelandandtheROItopresentapictureofthescopeandscaleoftheageingpopulationacrosstheisland.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 31
Theories of Ageing november 2010CARDIcommissionedProfessorVirpiTimonenandDrMariaPierceTCDtoundertakeresearchexploringthevarioustheoriesaboutageingandhowtheyimpactonpolicy-making.ThereportwaspublishedinNovember2010.
InNovember2010CARDIpublishedA Picture of Ageing Research in Ireland, North and South.ThisportfolioprovidedanoverviewofthewiderangeofageingresearchbeingcarriedoutbyacademicsacrosstheislandofIreland.Itillustratedthegrowingcommunityofresearchersacrossawiderangeofdisciplinesengagedinageingissues.ItwaslaunchedbyCARDI’sCo-ChairsProfessorsBobStoutandDavisCoakleyatareceptioninTCD.
A picture of Ageing november 2010
Pictured (l-r): Dr Roger O’Sullivan CARDI, Dr Maria Pierce TCD and Professor Davis Coakley CARDI.
Josie Sheehan poses for a launch picture
32 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
global Ageing: An overview november 2011ThisoccasionalresearchpaperwaspreparedforCARDI’sinternationalconferenceonageingin2011.Itexaminesglobaltrendsinageingincludingdemographics,healthandsocialcarespendingtrends,andpolicy-makingrelatingtoageinginseveraldifferentcountries.
10 guidelines for writing policy recommendations April 2012Gettingarecommendationacceptedbypolicy-makersdependsonmanyfactorsbutarecommendationwhichisbasedonstrongevidence,iscosteffectivetoimplementandtakesaccountofinternationalbestpracticehasabetterchanceofbeingacceptedandinfluencingpolicydebates.WiththisinmindCARDIpreparedasetofguidelinesforacademicsandotherresearchersforwritingpolicyrecommendationsbasedonresearch.
extra healthy years or just extra years? march 2013Aslifeexpectancycontinuestorise,theprevalenceofchronicconditionsisincreasinginoursociety.However,wedonotknowiftheextrayearsoflifegainedarebeingspentwithdisabilityandillnessoringoodhealth.ThisreportcommissionedbyCARDIandcarriedoutbyresearchersatTheIPHandHRBstudiedpatternsofhealthexpectanciesacrosstheislandofIreland,examininganyNorth-Southandsocio-economicdifferencesaswellaslookingatdifferencesindatasources.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 33
Keeping active for better ageingInApril2015CARDIlaunchedareportKeepingActiveforBetterAgeingwhichexaminedthefactorsthatencouragemorephysicalactivityinolderadultswithaparticularfocusonpotentialpolicyandpracticeinterventions.
A picture of Ageing december 2014 (updated)
The2014editionofA Picture of Ageing Research in Ireland, North and South waslaunchedinDecember2014.Thiseditionupdatedthe2010publicationillustratingthegrowingstrengthandbreadthofageingresearchbeingcarriedoutacrosstheislandofIreland.
Dr Suzanne Cahill TCD and Dementia Services Information and Development Centre
34 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
CARDI’swebsitewasestablishedtoprovideavastarrayofresearchandpolicyresourcesonageing.Itwasanup-to-dateportalforallthelatestnews,eventsandfundingnewswithamixtureofnationalandinternationalcontent.CARDIregularlypublisheditsowncontentonthesiteincludingmonthlyE-Bulletins,FocusOnarticles,blogs,resourceguidesandopinionpieces.Thesitehousesane-libraryofover4,000publications.Researcherswereabletoregisteronthesitetoupdatetheirresearchprofilesandsearchforotherresearchersinrelevantfields.Sincethesitewasestablishedithashadover1.2mvisitors.ThesitewascomplementedbyCARDI’sactivesocialmedianetworksincludingLinkedIn,FacebookandTwitter.
Agestats.ieCARDIcreatedAgeStats.ietosupportanyoneundertakingresearchonageingandolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth.ThewebsiteprovidesanoverviewofselecteddatasetsonageinginNIandROI.
Whileaimedprimarilyatresearchersandstatisticians,www.agestats.ieisaneasytousetoolthatpolicy-makers,peopleinthevoluntaryandcommunitysector,journalistsandotherscanusequicklytofinddatasetsandindividualstatisticsonageingtopics.ItdoesnotrequireanybackgroundortraininginresearchandcanprovideeasycomparisonsbetweenNIandROIonissuesrelatedtoageingandolderpeople.
CARDIupdatedthesitein2014bringingthetotalnumberofsearchablesurveysto50.
Agestats.ienowincludes50surveyscovering:
• 9themes• 190sub-themes(comparedwith187inNov2012)
• 1,659measuresintotal• 7,427individualdatapointsidentifiedacross50surveys
CARDIwebsites
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 35
mediA coVerAge
36 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
CARDI Steering Group 2007-2015
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 37
professor davis coakleyCo-ChairofCARDI
professor Bob StoutCo-ChairofCARDI
gabrielle Jacob (2007-2009)NationalCouncilonAgeingandOlderPeople
owen metcalfeInstituteofPublicHealth
dr denis o’mahony (2007-2012)CorkUniversityHospital
Anne o’reilly (2007-2013)AgeNI
professor eamon o’SheaIrishCentreforSocialGerontology
robin websterAgeActionIreland
CARDI Steering Group 2007-2015
38 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
CARDI Staff 2007-2015
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 39
dr roger o’Sullivan Director
conor Breen PolicyOfficer–ResearchTranslation
nicola donnelly CommunicationsOfficer
Janet elliott AdministrationOfficer
paul mcgill StrategicResearchOfficer
elaine cartmill Administration&FinanceOfficer(2008–2012)
Judith cross PolicyOfficer(2008–2009)
Kate morris CommunicationsOfficer(2008–2009)
CARDI Staff 2007-2015
40 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Appendices
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 41
1. CARDI funded research
Inequalities in Old age: the Impact of the Recession on Older People in Ireland, north and SouthResearchInstitution(s):QUB,UCD
Inequalities in old age 2011, north and SouthResearchInstitution:QUB
Theseresearchprojects,bothledbyEmeritusProfessorPaddyHillyardQUB,examinedthelivingstandardsandimpactofeconomicdeclineonolderpeople.Inthefirststudytheresearchteamidentifiedsomeofthespecificfactorsthatputpensionersatriskofpovertyandsomeoftheinequalitiesbetweengroupswithintheolderpopulationincludingsignificantdifferencesinpensionincomeandprovision.Itstressedtherisksfacedbyolderwomenwhotraditionallyhadreceivedmuchsmallerpensionsandbythoseexistingsolelyonthestate-providedpension.Throughfocusgroupsthestudyalsohighlightedtheworriesandanxietiesaboutthefutureexperiencedbyolderpeopleinthelightofbudgetaryconstraints.
Thefollowupstudy,conductedbyProfessorHillyardandDrDemiPatsiosUniversityofBristoluseddatafrombeforeandduringtherecessiontoshowthatpensionersarebeingaffectedbycuts,particularlyintheabilitytokeeptheirhouseswarmandtodiscretionaryspendingonitemssuchasannualholidays.ItfoundthatwhilesinglepensionersinNIremainworstoff,livingstandardsforcouplesinNIandROIhaveworsenedduetotherecession.
transport and Rural ageingResearchInstitution(s):UCD,UU,AgeActionIreland
ThisqualitativestudyledbyDrAoifeAhernUCDexploredolderpeople’stravelexperiencesinruralareasinROIandNI.Itfoundthatruraltransportservicesatpresentdonotprovideforanadequatealternativetothecarforolderpeople.Thiscanleadtoruralisolationandaninabilitytoengageinanactivesociallifeaswellasmakinghealthappointmentsdifficulttoattend.
Theresearchersstressedtheneedforinnovativeandcost-effectivewaysofprovidingaccessibletransporttoolderpeopleinsparselypopulatedruralareasasameansofreducingtherisksofisolationandimprovingthequalityofruralageing.
end-of-life care standards for people with dementiaResearchInstitution(s):DementiaServiceInformationandDevelopmentCentre,TCD,UU
ThisresearchprojectledbyDrSuzanneCahillTCDsoughttoidentifykeyissuesinend-of-lifecareforpeoplewithdementiaandtoproduceasetofguidelinesforend-of-lifecareforresidentswithdementiaincarehomesinIreland,NorthandSouth.Theauthorsarguedthatasetofguidelinestoassistnursinghomesindevelopingpoliciesandpracticesinend-of-lifecareforresidentswithdementiamayprovideausefulbasisforcomparisonwithinternationalbestpractice.
42 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Universal design for older peopleResearchInstitution(s):TCD,QUB,CentreforExcellenceinUniversalDesign
ThisresearchnetworkledbyProfessorMarkDyerTCDwasestablishedtopromotetheconceptsofuniversaldesignforolderpeopletokeystakeholderssuchascityandcountycouncils.Thenetworkorganisedaseriesofworkshopsandseminarstodiscussuniversaldesignasitappliestoolderpeopleandhowenvironments,particularlylivingspaces,canbemademoreaccessibletothem.Thenetworkfoundthatworkshopsonuniversaldesigncanpromotecollaborationinthedesignprocess,ensuringthattheprinciplesareunderstoodandincorporatedbyarchitects,designers,plannersandotherstakeholders.
Inappropriate prescribing of medicines – Implications for older people and health budgetsResearchInstitution(s):UCC,UU,QUB.
ThisresearchprojectledbyDrStephenByrneUCCinvestigatedinappropriateprescribinginlong-stayelderlyfacilitiesinGreaterCorkandNI.TheresearchfoundthatinnursinghomesinROI,73%ofresidentswerereceivingatleastonepotentiallyinappropriatemedicine.InNI67%ofthoseinthesamplewerereceivingapotentiallyinappropriatemedicine.Overall,nearlyonefifth(19%)ofthesamplewerereceivingthreeormorepotentiallyinappropriatemedicines.
ageing and Intellectual DisabilityResearchInstitution(s):UU,TCD
Thereareover3,100olderpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesinROIandnearly2,000inNI.AmajorbreakthroughinresearchonthisgrouphascomeaboutinrecentyearswiththeintellectualdisabilitysupplementTILDA.ThisfeasibilitystudyledbyProfessorRoyMcConkeyUUexaminedthepossibleextensionofthissupplementtoNI.ItconcludedthatextendingtheintellectualdisabilitystudytoNIwouldbeofgreatvaluealthoughadaptationsfromtheTILDAsamplingstrategywouldberequiredtoincreaserecruitmentratesinNI.
Insights into elder abuseResearchInstitution(s):AgeActionIreland,TCD,UU
ThisstudyledbyDrEmerBegleyAgeActionIrelandexaminedhowelderabuseisdefinedandobtainedtheviewsofolderpeopleonelderabuse,andtheservicesandsupportavailabletovictims.Theprojectrevealedalinkbetweenolderpeople’sstatusandvaluetosociety,personhoodandabuseinexaminingolderpeople’sperceptionsofelderabuse.Italsofoundthatservicesandsupportsforelderabuseshouldbeempoweringintheirapproachandseektheviewsandopinionsofolderpeople.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 43
the role of telecare in supporting carers of older peopleResearchInstitution(s):CaringforCarersIreland,UU
ThisresearchnetworkledbyBrigidBarronofCaringforCarersIrelandassessedtheimpactoftelecareoncarersofolderpeopleintermsofreducingstressandincreasingqualityoflife.Itfoundthatwhileresearchshowssomebenefitsforolderpeopleandtheircarersmoreevidenceisneededtohelpbuildbetterstrategiesaroundtheuseoftelecareforolderpeopleinthehome.
multimorbidity in the older populationResearchInstitution:TCD
ThisresearchledbyDrGeorgeSavvaTCDfoundthatolderpeoplesufferingfromtwoormorechronicconditionswere20timesmorelikelytoreportdisabilitythanthosewithnone.Thestudyurgedmoreresearchintheareaofmultiplechronicconditionsandarguedthattacklingthemeffectivelyacrossthelifecoursemaybevitalinensuringthatlongerlivesarealsohealthier.
Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult populationResearchInstitution:RCSI
ThisresearchledbyDrKarenMorganRCSIexaminedthelinkbetweenanactivelifestyleanddepressivemoodsinordertoexaminehowthephysicalandmentalhealthofolderpeoplecanbeimprovedthroughchangesinpublichealthandotherservices.Thestudyfoundthatpeopleover50yearsofagewhoareengagedinmoderatetohighlevelsofphysicalactivityhavea50%reductionintheoddsofhavingdepressivesymptoms.
Using aerobic exercise to promote brain plasticity ResearchInstitution(s):QUB,UCD,TCD
Promotingwaystoincreasebrainplasticityinolderpeoplehasthepotentialtoincreasehealthylifeexpectancyandimprovethequalityoflifeofolderpeople.Thissmall-scalestudyledbyProfessorRichardCarsonQUBfoundthatolderpeopleexhibitchangesinplasticityinresponsetobrainstimulationsimilarincharactertothoseshownbyyoungadults.Thestudystressedtheneedformoreresearchinthisareatoinvestigatethepotentialbenefitstoolderpeople.
Dance for older peopleResearchInstitution(s):UL,QUB
ThisnetworkledbyDrSylviaO’SullivanULincludedaseriesofseminarsinvolvingolderpeopleinLimerickandBelfastinpromotingboththeworkofthenetworkandthebenefitsofdanceforolderpeople.Thesebenefitsincludedphysicalexercisebutalsosocialbenefitsintermsofparticipatingincommunityactivities.Thenetworkhighlightedthebenefitsofdanceintermsoffallspreventionandalsothebenefitsofpatternrecognitionindanceforhelpingdementiasufferers.
44 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Understanding fuel poverty in the older population, north and SouthResearchInstitution(s):DIT,InstituteofPublicHealth,UU
ThisresearchprojectledbyProfessorPatrickGoodmanDITfeaturedareviewofnationalfuelpovertystatisticsrelatingtoolderpeopleaswellasananalysisofexcesswinterdeathsamongolderpeopleinbothNIandROI.ItfoundthattheriskoffuelpovertyisconcentratedamongolderpeoplelivingaloneacrosstheislandofIreland.Italsofoundthatolderpeopletendedtoliveinhouseswhichwerenotenergyefficientandlackedeitheradequateinsulationorcentralheating.Theresearchersarguedthatinordertotacklethisissuestandardsofhousingandinsulationmustbeimprovedinadditiontoprovidingsufficientfuelsubsidiesforolderpeople.
mortality modellingResearchInstitution:QUB
DrDeclanFrenchQUBexaminedthefactorsdrivingthefutureofmortalityinIreland,NorthandSouth.Thestudyaimedtocontributetoprovidingrealisticpredictionsforthefuture.Inthiswayitcouldpromoteunderstandingofthefactorsthatcontributedirectlytolongerandhealthierlives.
age, Income & Food in IrelandResearchInstitution:UCC
ResearchledbyEleanorBantry-WhiteUCCexaminedthedemographicandsocio-economicinfluencesonfoodexpenditureintheolderpopulationsinNIandROI.Itfoundthatdietinolderpeoplewaslinkedtosocio-economicfactorsandthatimprovingnutritionlevelsrequiredamulti-facetedpolicyapproachincludingpovertyalleviationandeducation.
encouraging behaviour change in mild cognitive impairment patients ResearchInstitution(s):QUB,TCD
ThisprojectledbyDrJayneWoodsideQUBusedfocusgroupswithmildcognitiveimpairmentpatientsandtheircare-giversaswellasstructuredinterviewswithprofessionalstodesignandtesteducationalmaterialsthatcanencouragechangesindietandphysicalactivity.
healthy ageing in rural communitiesResearchInstitution(s):NUIG,QUB
InabidtounderstandifageinginruralcommunitiesincreasesordecreasesthepotentialforexclusioninlaterlifeCARDIfirstfundedaresearchnetworkHealthyAgeinginRuralCommunities ledbyDrKieranWalshNUIG.
ThisnetworkincludedresearchersandrepresentativesfromruralcommunityorganisationsinROIandNI.Thenetworkconductedcommunityfocusgroupswhichrevealedtheviewsandconcernsofolderpeopleaboutgrowingoldinruralcommunities.Ithighlightedissueswithsocialandhealthserviceprovisionsandthesenseofcommunityenjoyedbymanyolderruraldwellers.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 45
Social exclusion and ageing in rural communitiesResearchInstitution(s):NUIG,QUB
Thenetwork’sworklaidthegroundworkforafurtherresearchprojectledbyProfessorEamonO’SheaNUIGwhichexploredhowageandrurallivingcombineoverthecourseofpeople’slivestohaveanimpactonthelikelihoodofsocialexclusion.Theresearchersdevelopedanewframeworkbasedontheindicatorsofsocialexclusionidentifiedthroughthestakeholderengagement,aswellasthemediatingfactorssuchasindividualcapacityandmacro-economicforces.Theresearchconcludedthatwhileruralageinghasmanypositiveaspectssuchascommunityrelationships,attentionmustbepaidtotheparticularriskfactorsfacedbyolderpeopleinruralareas,andareassuchasruralcareservicesandtransportshouldnotbeneglectedevenintimesofeconomicconstraint.
measuring age-related social exclusion in a cross-border contextResearchInstitution:NUIG
ThisstudyledbyDrKieranWalshNUIGexaminedtheissueofsocialexclusionamongolderpeopleandcontributingfactorstoisolation.Itfoundthatmanyolderpeopleenjoygoodsocialconnections.However,asubstantialnumberareatriskofsocialexclusion.Italsohighlightedthatalackofinformationaboutsocialexclusionhinderstheeffectivenessofpoliciesandprogrammesaimedtohelpthoseolderpeoplemostinneed.
Older women and pension inequalitiesResearchInstitution(s):NUIG,QUB
ThisresearchledbyDrNataDuvvuryNUIGhighlightedtheissueofgenderinequalityinpensionprovisioninIreland,NorthandSouth.Theresearchersfoundthatoneofthemainsourcesofwomen’seconomicvulnerabilityatpensionagewastheirinterruptedworktrajectoriesduetothetraditionalgenderedcaringnormandarguedthatresolvingthisproblemrequiredcomprehensiveactionacrossemployment,welfareandtaxationpolicies.
Is age a determining factor in the treatment of men with prostate cancer?ResearchInstitution(s):NICancerRegistry,QUB,NationalCancerRegistryIreland
ProstatecanceristhemostcommoncanceramongmeninIreland.TheresearchledbyDrAnnaGavinattheNICancerRegistryfoundthataccesstourologistsandcurativetreatmenthadincreasedforallmensincethemid-1990s.However,oldermenwerelesslikelytoseeaurologistorhaveradicaltreatmentthanyoungermen.Theresearchersconcludedthatdecision-makingrelatingtomedicaltreatmentforolderpatientswasacomplexprocessbutarguedthatageshouldbejustonefactortakenintoconsiderationalongsideotherhealthandwell-beingfactors.
46 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
a comparison of people seeking help at memory clinics in Belfast and DublinResearchInstitution(s):QUB,TCD,NUIG
ThisprojectledbyDrSuzanneBarrettQUBexaminedandcomparedsomeofthecharacteristicsofpeopleseekinghelpatmemoryclinics.Theresearcherslookedattwomemoryclinics:theBelfastCityHospitalClinicNIandtheMercer’sMemoryClinicatStJames’sHospitalDublinROI.Theresearchersstressedtheimportanceofidentifyingandunderstandingriskfactorsfordementiaandtheroleofearlydiagnosisineffectivemanagementandtreatmentofdementia.
medication use in patients with dementia at the end of lifeResearchInstitution(s):QUB,UCC
Despitetheincreaseintheprevalenceandincidenceofdementia,researchintopalliativecareforpatientswithadvanceddementiaislimited.ThisstudyledbyProfessorCarmelHughesQUBfoundsignificantuncertaintyandvariationinthemedicinesdoctorssaytheywouldprescribeforpatientswithdementiaattheendoflifewhenpresentedwithclinicalscenarios.Theall-IrelandresearchfoundevidencethatGPsandhospitalphysiciansindicatedtheywouldcontinuewithdementiamedicationandstatins,andactivelyprescribeantibioticswhenthereislimitedevidenceofbenefitstopatientswithdementiaattheendoflife.
Building balance with video gamesResearchInstitution(s):QUB,TCD
ThisresearchprojectledbyProfessorCathyCraigQUBexploredwhetherolderpeoplecouldplayspecificallydesignedgamesonaWiiboardtoimprovetheirbalanceandgait.TheteamdevelopedageandabilityappropriategamesandtesteditongroupsofolderpeopleinBelfastandDublin.Thestudyfoundsignificantimprovementsingaitandbalanceforthoseplayingthegames.Italsofoundthatthefunelementinthegameshelpedtomotivateandencourageolderpeople’sparticipation.
Future demand for long-term care in IrelandResearchInstitution(s):TCD,QUB
Thisprojectaimedtoconstructapredictivemodelforlong-termcareneedswasledbyProfessorCharlesNormandTCD.Itfoundthatthenumberofolderpeopleneedinglong-termcarewassettoincreasesignificantlyintheyearsto2021inIreland,NorthandSouth.Italsohighlightedtheissueofunmetcareneedsandtheurgencyofdevelopingpolicyplanningtomeetfuturedemandsforcare.
Pain, Physical activity and Depressive Symptoms in Older PeopleResearchInstitution(s):RCSI
Thisall-IrelandstudyledbyDrFrankDoyleRCSIexaminedthelinksbetweenphysicalactivity,painanddepressivesymptomsacrossthreedatasets.Thestudyfoundthatpainisassociatedwithincreaseddepressionandphysicalactivityisassociatedwithlowerdepressionlevels.Italsofoundthathavingpaindoesnotstoppeoplebenefittingfromphysicalactivity.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 47
Physical activity, ageing and healthResearchInstitution(s):MaryImmaculateCollegeUL,UU,WIT,DCU
ThestudyledbyDrElaineMurtaghMaryImmaculateCollegeULexaminedtherelationshipbetweenhealthandphysicalactivityamongolderpeopleusingofficialdatasets.Theresultingreportunderlinedtheimportanceofremainingactiveasweage.Italsohighlightedtheneedtodevelopinnovativeprogrammestoencouragethosewhoaremostinactive,includingolderwomen,totakeupsomephysicalactivity.
Deprivation and cognitive DysfunctionResearchInstitution(s):UU,NUIM
ThisstudyledbyProfessorHeleneMcNultyandcolleaguesatUUfoundthatlivinginadisadvantagedareasignificantlypredictedcognitivedysfunctioninageing.ThismeantthatolderpeoplelivingindeprivedareasofIrelandweremorelikelytosuffermentalillnessesrangingfrommildcognitiveimpairmenttodementia.
Frailty and Disability in IrelandResearchInstitution(s):TCD,QUB
ThisstudyledbyDrMatthewO’ConnellTCDsoughttodevelopameasureoffrailtyfromtheindicatorsusedinthe2010/11HealthSurveyNIandthefirstwaveofTILDA.ThefinalreportusedthismeasuretoexplorefrailtyinNIandROI,andtoassesstherelationshipbetweenfrailtyanddisability.
examining inequalities in health and health behavioursResearchInstitution(s):UCD,TCD
Healthbehavioursaresignificantbarrierstohealthyageingbutlittleisknownabouthowtheydifferbysocio-economicstatus.ThisstudyledbyDrEibhlinHudsonexaminedinequalitiesinIreland,NorthandSouth,inhealthbehavioursandoutputssuchassmoking,alcoholconsumption,bodymassindexandphysicalactivity.Italsoexaminedchangesovertimewiththeaimofdevelopingatechniqueknownasaconcentrationindex–asinglemeasureofinequalitywhichcanbedecomposedtoanalysefactorsunderlyinginequality.
Disability in older heart disease patients ResearchInstitution(s):QUB,TCD,NISRA
ThisresearchledbyProfessorFrankKeeQUBsoughttoassesstheextenttowhichdisabilityassociatedwithcoronaryheartdisease(CHD)variedbyage,genderandsocio-economicstatus.ItreportedonlifeexpectancyfreeofCHD-relateddisabilityandrelatedinequalities,andexaminedriskfactorssuchassmoking,diabetes,obesity,physicalactivityandpsycho-socialfactors.ItalsoevaluatedhowdifferencesinhealthcareandwelfaresystemsinNIandROIimpactedondisabilityfollowingCHD.
48 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
2. Leadership Programme
CARDIFellowsandprojects
dr céline de looze, TcdCélineDeLoozeisaphoneticianbytraining,withexpertiseinspeechprosody,discourseanddialogue.ShecompletedherPhDin2010attheLaboratoireParoleetLangage,Aix-MarseilleUniversityinFranceonthethesisAnalysisandinterpretationofthetemporalspanofprosodicvariationsinFrenchandinEnglish.AfterwardssheworkedasaresearchfellowcarryingoutprosodicanalysesonParkinsonspeech,aprojectfundedbytheFrenchNationalResearchAgency.CélinehasjustcompletedpostdoctoralresearchontheScienceFoundationIreland-fundedFASTNETproject(FocusonActionsinSocialTalk:Network-EnablingTechnology)atthePhoneticsandSpeechLaboratory,TCD,whereshespecialisedinsignalsocialprocessing.Shehasworkedattheinterfacebetweenacademiaandentrepreneurshipe.g.atCrewFactorsLtdwhichhasapatentpendingforcommunicationstrainingtoairlinestaff.Célinehaspresentedherresearchfindingsatinternationalconferencesintendifferentcountries,aswellascontributingtojournalarticles.
DuringherCARDIFellowshipCélinewillstudymildcognitiveimpairmentandpsychosocialoutcomesbycharacterisinginterpersonalcommunicationsbetweenolderpeopleandcarers.Theresearchwillevaluateverbalandnon-verbalcommunicationbetweenpeoplewithmildcognitiveimpairmentandcarers.Thiswillseektoprovideadetailedcharacterisationofcommunicationstrategies;determinewhethertheabilityofthepersonwithMCIcanbeusedasamarkerofMCI;andevaluatetheimpactofcarers’communicationstrategiesonthequalityofinteractionandonthementalstateofolderpeopleandcarers.
Theresearchisbasedonthepremisethattheolderpersonmayhavedifficultiesincommunicatingdue,forexample,toaphasiaorapathyandthatthecarer’scommunicationstrategymayaffectthepatient’sself-esteemandresultinsocialwithdrawalordepression.Theprojectwillcontributetomoreobjective,non-invasiveevaluationsofMCIwhicharebothtimeandcosteffective.Italsohasthepotentialtoofferevidence-basedcarepracticestosupportolderpeoplewithMCIandtheircarers.
dr Joanne Feeney, QuBJoanneFeeneygraduatedwithaPhDfromTCDin2010.Herthesisexaminedneurocognitivechangesinassociativeandworkingmemorywithage,andinrelationtothestresshormonecortisol.ShealsoholdsapostgraduatediplomainstatisticsfromTCDandafirstclasshonoursBScinpharmacologyfromUCD(2005).ShejoinedTILDAatTCDinJuly2011whereherresearchinterestsincludedtheimpactofpsychologicalandphysiologicalstressonhealthyageingwithaparticularfocusonneurocognitiveandcardiovascularhealth.JoannewastheleadresearcherontheNeurocognitiveWorkingGroupwithinTILDAoverseeingthecognitiveandmentalhealthdomainsofthestudy.ShealsochairedtheVisionWorkingGroupandcontributedtoresearchlinkingretinalhealthandbrainfunction.
FortheCARDILeadershipProgrammeshewillexploretheimpactofstressontheneurocognitiveandcardiovascularhealthofolderadultsintheNorthandSouthofIreland,usingdatafromNICOLAandTILDA.Theexperienceofsevereorpersistentpsychologicalstresscanalterimmunemediators,triggerinflammatoryprocessesandincreaseoxidativestress,damagingbrainandcardiovascularhealth.Determiningtheimpactofstressonneurocognitiveandcardiovascularhealthisimportantinordertohelpuncoverpotentialpathwaysto,andearlyindicatorsof,diseaseanddisability.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 49
AbetterunderstandingoftheroleofstressandthevaryingculturalandhistoricalexperiencesofpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth,canhelptopredictandmanageage-relateddisease.Identifyingearlypathwaysandriskfactorslinkingstressexposuretodiseaseanddisabilitycanhelpinformthedesignofinterventionsandeducatethepublicaboutprotectivemeasures.
dr claire mcevoy, QuBClaireMcEvoyworkedasaclinicaldietitianbeforemovingtoaresearchpostintheCentreforPublicHealth,Queen’sUniversityBelfast.SheholdsanMPhilandgainedherPhDatQueen’sUniversityBelfastin2012forathesisonfruit,vegetableanddietarypatternsinrelationtovascularandeyehealth.Clairehasaninterestintheapplicationofmixedmethodologytonovelapproachestoencourageandsustaindietarybehaviourchangefordiseasepreventionandhasmanagedtwoclinicaltrialstodate:theFruit,VegetableandInsulinResistanceStudy(FIRST)andtheTrialtoEncourageAdoptionandMaintenanceofaMediterraneanDiet(TEAM-MED).Shehaspublishednine(first-author)peerreviewedjournalarticlesandfivebookchapters,andhaspresentedherworkatnationalandinternationalconferences.
AsaBeeson-sponsoredCARDIFellow,ClairewillinvestigatetheMediterraneandiet(MD)andcognitivedecline–strengtheningtheevidencebaseandencouragingbehaviourchange.HerresearchwillseektodeterminetheassociationbetweenMDatbaselineandcognitivedeclineanddementiariskovertimeinseveralprospectivecohortstudies;thiswillincludetechniquessuchasneuro-imaging.ShewillalsofurtherdevelopeducationalmaterialsdesignedforparticipantswithmildcognitiveimpairmenttoencouragedietarychangetowardsanMD.HerFellowshipwillincludeayear-longstudyvisittotheprestigiousKristineYaffeLabattheUniversityofCalifornia,SanFrancisco,whereshewillundertaketraininginnutritionalepidemiologyandcognitiveassessment,aswellascontributingtotheworkofthelab.
Ithasbeenestimatedthatuptoahalfofdementiacasesmayresultfrompotentiallymodifiableriskfactors.Targetingthesefactors,includingdiet,couldleadtoasignificantreductionindementiacases.Thisresearchaimstoincreaseourknowledgeonhowdietmaycontributetocognitivehealthandtoinformeffectivefuturestrategiestopreventandtreatcognitivedisordersinolderadults.
dr Joanna mcHugh, QuBJoannaMcHughcompletedherPhDresearchatTrinityCollege’sInstituteofNeuroscience(2007-2010)whereherthesisconcernedsocialandemotionalperception.ShealsoholdsafirstclasshonoursBAinPsychology(2006)fromUniversityCollegeDublin.JoannaworkedfortheNeuro-EnhancementforIndependentLives(NEIL)ResearchProgramasapostdoctoralresearchfellowbeforebecomingaCARDIFellow.Herresearchinterestsincludehealthbehavioursandsocialfunctioninginlaterlife,particularlywithreferencetocognitiveoutcomes.WithinNEILshecoordinatedarandomisedcontrolledtrialevaluatinganovelnutritionalandsocialinterventionforsociallyisolatedolderadults.Joannahaspublished13peer-reviewedarticlesinwhichshewasfirstnamedauthorandpresentedherresearchat19nationalandinternationalconferences.PriortojoiningNEIL,Joannawasseniorpostdoctoralresearchfellowonthe“Dem@Care”project,anFP7-fundedcollaborativeprojectinvestigatingtheapplicationofsensortechnologytosupportinghealthandsocialbehavioursamongindividualswithdementia(2012-2013).
ThefocusofherresearchaspartoftheCARDILeadershipProgrammeisthesocialdeterminantsofcognitivedeclineamongolderadultsinIreland,NorthandSouth.Itwillexaminethecausallinksbetweenloneliness,socialisolationandcognitivedecline,andaimstorevealthemechanismsbehindtheselinksstudyingandcomparinglongitudinalIrishpopulationstudies,TILDAandNICOLA.Theprojectwillinvestigateseveralfactorssuchassocialsupport,stress,neuro-inflammationandwhitematterstructuralintegritytoclarifytheircontributionstotherelationshipbetweensocialisolationandcognitiveoutcomesinlaterlife.
Identifyingthespecialsocialandotherfactorsthatrelatetocognitivedeclinewillbevaluableforpolicy-makersandpractitionersalike,andcanhelpinformstrategiesrelatingtothepromotionof
50 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
socialsupportforolderadultsinIreland,NorthandSouth.Theknowledgegeneratedfromthisworkcanalsohelpinformfutureevidence-basedprevention,diagnostic,therapeuticandotherstrategiesforthepreventionofdementia.
dr Sheena mcHugh, uccSheenaMcHughcompletedafouryearstructuredPhDScholarsprogrammeinHealthServicesResearchatUCCfundedbytheHealthResearchBoardin2012.HerthesiswasTheQualityofDiabetesCareintheCommunity:Practice,PolicyandCulture.SheenawasprincipalresearchanalystwiththeDiabetesinGeneralPracticeInitiativeandleadresearcheronaDepartmentofHealthcommissionedreviewofthenationalbreastscreeningprogramme.ShespenttwoyearsasaHealthResearchBoardPost-doctoralResearchFellow,leadingaworkpackageexamininghealthserviceusebyolderpeople.InJanuary2015sheledamixed-methodevaluationoftheNationalClinicalCareProgrammeforDiabetes.Sheisasupervisoronthisqualitativestudyoftheattitudestodietandphysicalactivityofwomenatriskofgestationaldiabetesandtheircareproviders.Aswellaspresentingherfindingsatinternationalconferences,Sheenahaspublishedninejournalarticlesandabookchapterasfirstauthor.
Sheena’sFellowshipwillbedevotedtothetopicPreventingfallsinolderpeoplewithdiabetes:developmentandfeasibilityofamultifactorialinterventioninprimarycare.ShewillestablishtherateandriskoffallsandfearoffallingamongolderpeoplewithdiabetesinIrelandandcomparewiththeUSA.Usingthisevidence,Sheenawilldevelopthemultifactorialfallspreventionprogramme,includingtheimplementationcontextinordertotailorstrategiestolocalcircumstances.Theobjectiveistopilotandevaluatetheimplementation,acceptabilityandsustainabilityoftheinterventioninordertosecurefundingforalarger-scaletrial.
Populationageingisamajordriverforconditionssuchasdiabetes,whichincreasestheriskoffalls.Multifactorialfallspreventioninterventionshavebeenshowntobenefitolderpeoplebutfewstudieshavestudiedtheneedsofthosewithchronicconditionssuchasdiabetes.Theresearchhasthepotentialtodeliverthefirstprimarycare-basedfallspreventionprogrammeforolderpeoplewithdiabetesinIreland.
dr charlotte neville, QuBCharlotteNevilleobtainedherPhDinnutritionalepidemiologyintheCentreforPublicHealth,Queen’sUniversityBelfastin2010.ShealsoholdsaBScHonoursDegreeinHumanNutritionandanMPhilfromtheUniversityofUlster.Herresearchhascentredaroundtheroleofdietandlifestyleonhealthanddiseaseoutcomesincludingobesity,cardiovasculardisease,musculoskeletalhealthandcognitivehealth,rangingfromadolescentpopulationsthroughtoolderadults.Inrecentyears,Charlotte’sresearchhasexpandedintolifestyleandageing.ShewastrialmanageroftheAgeingandDietaryInterventionTrial(ADIT)examiningtheeffectofincreasedfruitandvegetableconsumptiononmeasuresofimmunefunctionandmusculoskeletalhealthinolderadults.
InherresearchasaCARDIFellowCharlottewillexploretheassociationbetweenfruitandvegetableintake,retinalmicrovascularhealth,andcognitivedeclineanddementiarisk.Accurateassessmentofdietaryintakeinolderpopulationsisvitaltounravelthepotentialroleofdietinhealthyageing.TheresearchwillexaminetheefficacyofassessmentmethodscurrentlyusedinNICOLAandtestotherpotentialdietaryassessmentmethodsthatmaybeparticularlysuitedtoolderpeople.HerresearchwillalsodrawonTILDAtoexaminethetopicofdietaryintakeanditslinktodementiainolderpeople.
In2012itwasestimatedthattherewere35.6millionpeopleworldwidewithdementiaandthatthenumberwillapproximatelydoubleevery20yearsbecauseofgrowinglifeexpectancy.Theabilitytoidentifythoseathighriskofdementiaatanearlystageandsetinplacestrategiestoreduceage-relatedmorbidityandchronicdiseaseprevalencecanhelpencouragehealthyageing,andhavefinancialandsocietalbenefits.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 51
dr matthew o’connell, TcdMatthewO’ConnellcompletedaPhDattheUniversityofManchesterinNovember2011onFrailtyandanabolichormonesinageingmen,whichinvolvedworkontheobservationalEuropeanMaleAgeingStudy(EMAS)andaclinicaltrialoftestosteronetherapyinfrailmen.MatthewheldapostdoctoralpositioninManchesterlookingatlongitudinalchangesinsexhormonelevelsintheEMAS.HejoinedTheIrishLongitudinalStudyonAgeing(TILDA)asaResearchFellowinJanuary2012andbecameChairofthefrailtyresearchgroupandthemeleadonphysiologicalageing,frailtyandfunctionaldecline,designingandpilotingstudiesofnewhealthassessmentsforWave3.MatthewalsohadleadresponsibilityforallComputerAidedPersonalInterview(CAPI)design.HehasheldgrantsfromtheHealthResearchBoard(2010-15)andCARDI(2013-14)andwasfirstauthorofsixjournalarticles.
Matthew’sBeeson-sponsoredCARDIFellowshipwillallowhimtoexplorenovelphysiologicaldeterminantsoffunctionaldeclineacrossIreland,drawingonsurveyfindingsandhealthassessmentsfrombothTILDAanditsequivalent,NICOLA(NorthernIrelandCohortLongitudinalStudyofAgeing).Hewillusethesedatatoquantifyfour-yearchangeinkeyfunctionalmeasures,particularlymusclestrengthandmobilityandidentifyandvalidatephysiologicalmarkersrelatedtofalls,disabilityandmortality.Markwillthenassesstherelationshipbetweenthemarkersandfunctionalperformance;explorepotentialmechanismslinkingneuro-cardiovascularbehaviourandfunctionaldeclineatthelevelofthebrain;andcomparehealthofolderpeople,NorthandSouth.
Insightsfromthestudywilldirectlyinformclinicalpracticeinfallsandblackoutclinics.Dataonpatternsofdeclineandcross-nationalvariationsinhealthwillassistgovernmentefforts,NorthandSouth,topromotehealthyageing.Matthewwillspecificallyworkwithclinicalcolleaguestotranslatefindingsintoopportunitiesforscreeningandintervention,andwithcolleaguesonbio-engineeringtoexploreopportunitiesforinnovationandtechnologydevelopment.
dr mark o’doherty, QuBMarkO’DohertyPhDisapostdoctoralresearchfellowfromtheUKClinicalResearchCollaborationCentreofExcellenceforPublicHealth,Queen’sUniversityBelfast,whereheobtainedhisPhDinnutritionalandcardiovascularepidemiologyin2009.Mark’spostdoctoraltrainingtodatehasbeenincancerepidemiologyandhealthyageing,andhehasextensiveexperienceintheutilisationandmanagementoflargedatasets,bothinanall-IrelandsettingandduringhistimeattheNationalCancerInstitute,WashingtonDC,UnitedStates.HewascoretothestrategicorganisationofthecardiovasculardiseaseanddiabetesWorkPackagewithintheEU7thframeworkCHANCESProject:ConsortiumonHealthandAgeing:NetworkofCohortsinEuropeandtheUnitedStates.
Mark’sresearchasaCARDIFellowwillexploredifferencesintrendsinwork-relateddisabilityandinthewaypeoplereportdisabilitybetweennationsandacrossdifferentnationalhealthandwelfareservicecontexts.Theaimofthisresearchistodevelopexpertiseintheevaluationandassessmentofwork-relateddisabilityamongolderadultsthroughtheuseofdisabilityvignetteswhichwillsupplementself-reporteddisability.ThisapproachprovidesthecapacitytocomparevariationsinreportingthresholdswithrepresentativedatafordifferingageingpopulationsfromTheIrishLongitudinalStudyofAgeing(TILDA)andtheNorthernIrelandCohortfortheLongitudinalStudyofAgeing(NICOLA).Onlybycomparingself-reporteddisabilityandhealthwiththoseconfirmedbyobjectivehealthassessmentcanweformabetterunderstandingofthedegreetowhichperceptionsofworkdisabilityareguidedbyobjectivehealthstatus,bysocio-economicenvironmentandbypersonalcharacteristicsandcircumstances.
Asthestatepensionageincreasesandlargernumbersofolderpeopleremaininworktheissueofworkdisabilitywillgrowinimportance.ThisresearchwillhelpusexploreimplicationsforpolicyespeciallyasdisabilityratesamongolderpeoplearehigherinNIthanelsewhereintheUKorintheROI.
52 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
dr Aisling o’Halloran, TcdAislingO’HalloranholdsaPhDincardiovasculardiseaseandgeneticsfromtheRoyalCollegeofSurgeonsinIreland(RCSI)andaBA(Mod)inNaturalScience,specialisingingenetics,fromTrinityCollegeDublin.ShejoinedTILDAasapostdoctoralfellowinhealthresearchinJanuary2012whereherresearchinterestsincludedallaspectsoffrailty,resilienceandfalls,withaninterestincharacterisingthephysiological,cognitiveandbehaviouralfactorswhichpredisposeorprotectolderpeopletotheseoutcomes.ShewastheresearchleadonboththeFrailtyWorkingGroupandtheBiomarkerWorkingGroupwithinTILDA.PreviouslyAislingwastheSeniorResearcherontheFallsPreventionStrandattheTechnologyResearchforIndependentLiving(TRIL)CentreatStJames’sHospitalinDublin(2010-2011).Shehaspublishedinhighimpactjournalsandpresentedatscientificandmedicalconferencesbothnationallyandinternationally.
Aisling’sresearchasaCARDIFellowisonthethemeoffrailtyandolderpeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth.Frailtyisadriveroffunctionalandcognitivedecline,predictingmultimorbidity,disability,increasedhealthcareutilisationandmortalityinolderpeople.However,frailtycanbeamelioratedthroughearlydetectionandintervention.ThisstudywillusedatafromTILDAandNICOLAtotracktransitionsalongthefrailtyspectrumfromonewaveofthesurveystoanother.Thiswillhelptoidentifyriskfactorsforfrailtyinolderpeoplewiththeaimofdevelopingnewevidence-basedtargetsfortheearlydetectionoffrailtyandsuitableinterventions.Itwillalsoseektodevelopestimatesoffuturehealthcareneedsrelatedtofrailty.
Frailtyratesrisewithageand36%ofpeopleaged80+inNIand15%inROIarefrail.ThisresearchwillraiseawarenessanddeepenunderstandingofboththelevelsoffrailtyandfrailtypreventioninIreland,NorthandSouth.Thefindingswillbeofinteresttoresearchers,healthcareprofessionals,policy-makersandolderpeople’sgroups.
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 53
3.CARDI Publications 2008-2015
2008
CARDIStrategicPlan2008-2011
2009
MappingresearchinIrelandagainsttheUNResearchAgendaonageingforthe21stCentury
CareandCaringinIreland,NorthandSouth:OlderPeopleasBothRecipientsandGiversofCare
StocktakeofAgeingPublicPolicyInitiativesinIreland,NorthandSouth
GovernmentStructuresinIreland,NorthandSouth
Goods,FacilitiesandServices:EqualityforOlderPeople
Whatisinterdisciplinary?Considerationsforresearchers(includingapplicantstotheCARDIResearchGrantsProgramme)
PublicTransportandOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
2010
IllustratingAgeinginIrelandNorth&South-KeyFactsandFigures
HealthStructuresinIreland,NorthandSouth
PensionsPolicyinIreland,NorthandSouth
ApproachestohealthpolicyinIreland,NorthandSouth
Focuson...Dementia
StocktakeofAgeingPublicPolicyInitiativesinIreland,NorthandSouth(updated)
GovernmentStructuresinIreland,NorthandSouth(updated)
Focuson...Nutrition
CARDIGrantsProgramme–Overview2010
InequalitiesinOldAge:theImpactoftherecessiononOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
TheoriesofAgeingandApproachestoWelfareinIreland,NorthandSouth
Summary:HowTheoriesofAgeingcanInfluencePolicy
Focuson...FearofCrime
54 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
APictureofAgeingResearchinIreland,NorthandSouth2010
Healthyageinginruralcommunities
TransportandRuralAgeing
Focuson...OlderPeople’sSkills
2011
End-of-lifecarestandardsforpeoplewithdementia
Focuson...HomeCare
Focuson...OlderVoters
Universaldesignforolderpeople
Inappropriateprescribingofmedicines
Focuson...AgeingStrategies
Focuson...OlderVoters:NIUpdate
AgeingandIntellectualDisability
Insightsintoelderabuse
Focuson...Volunteering
Focuson...ModelsofCare
Physicalactivityandmentalhealthinageing
Theroleoftelecareinsupportingcarersofolderpeople
Focuson...AgeingandAccesstoHealthServices
GlobalAgeing:AnOverview
Multimorbidityintheolderpopulation
Focuson...Insurance:RiskIndemnityorAgeDiscrimination
Understandingfuelpovertyintheolderpopulation
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 55
2012
Inequalitiesinoldage2011
Age,IncomeandFoodinIreland
QualityinAgeingandOlderAdults
Focuson...IntergenerationalSolidarity
Socialexclusionandageinginruralcommunities
Olderwomenandpensioninequalities
Isageadeterminingfactorinthetreatmentofmenwithprostatecancer?
10GuidelinesforWritingPolicyRecommendations
Focuson...LonelinessandPhysicalHealth
AcomparisonofpeopleseekinghelpatmemoryclinicsinBelfastandDublin
Focuson...Age-FriendlyCities
Medicationuseinpatientswithdementiaattheendoflife
Focuson...InternetUseandOlderPeople
Buildingbalancewithvideogames
Futuredemandforlong-termcareinIreland
CARDIGrantsProgramme–Overview2012
2013
Extrahealthyyearsorjustextrayears?WhatcanweknowfromthedatawehaveontheislandofIreland?
Focuson...PublicHealthCampaignsforOlderPeople
Focuson...PensionKnowledgeandOlderPeople
InnovationinPolicy:InsightsforAgeing
Focuson...HousingandtheHealthofOlderPeople
Focuson...AlcoholMisuseAmongOlderPeople
E-GovernmentandOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
Summary:OnlineGovernment-OfflineOlderPeople?
Focuson...TechnologyandHomeCare
CARDIStrategicPlan2013-2015
56 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
2014
PublicandCommunityTransportforOlderPeopleinRuralIreland-NorthandSouth
Summary:PublicandCommunityTransportforOlderPeopleinRuralIreland-NorthandSouth
Focuson...InnovativeCommunityProjectsforOlderWorkers
BuildingStrongerUserEngagementinAgeResearch
Summary:AGuidetoUserInvolvementinAgeingResearch
SocialExclusionamongOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
Pain,PhysicalActivityandDepressiveSymptomsinOlderPeople
Focuson...OlderVoters2014
PhysicalActivity,AgeingandHealth
AnExploratoryStudyoftheWealthofOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
Summary:WealthofOlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
UnderstandingSocio-EconomicInequalitiesAffectingOlderPeople
Summary:UnderstandingSocio-EconomicInequalitiesAffectingOlderPeople
Focuson...SleepandOlderPeople
CARDIFellowLeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearch–Overview
Focuson...DyingatHome
DeprivationandCognitiveDysfunction
Focuson...Influenza
FrailtyandDisability
APictureofAgeingResearchinIreland,NorthandSouth2014
2015
InequalitiesinHealthBehaviours
Focuson…Socialinclusionandageingwithanintellectualdisability
DisabilityinOlderHeartDiseasePatients
KeepingActiveforBetterAgeing
GettingInvolvedinAgeingResearch:Aguideforthecommunityandvoluntarysector
CARDIFellowLeadershipProgrammeinAgeingResearch-OverviewUpdate
Focuson…Healthofolderwomeninemployment
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 57
4. Selection of CARDI workshops, training events, launches and seminars 2008-2015
2008
Launch:CARDI–Belfast
Launch:CARDI–Dublin
Seminar:DevelopmentsinHousing,HealthandTechnologyforOlderPeople-ShowcasingResearch&Practice
Seminar:ShowcasingAgeing&DisabilityResearch-LessonsforPolicyandPractice
2009
Workshops:SeriesofCARDIGrantsProgrammebriefings
Seminar:BuildingRelationshipsandMakingLinkagesbetweenResearchandPolicy
2010
Launch:IllustratingAgeinginIreland
TrainingEvent:‘YourMemoriesMatter’-ShowcasingReminiscenceResearch
Seminar:OldAge-oldnewsornewdebate?
Seminar:LivingLonger-WorkingLonger
Seminar:AnAgeOldProblem–wherenowforruralservices?
Launch:APictureofAgeingResearch
2011
Training:ResearchEthicsinInterdisciplinaryAgeingResearch
Launch:Anevaluationofinappropriateprescribinginlong-stayelderlyfacilitiesinGreaterCorkandNI
Seminar:Isincreasinglifeexpectancyalsoimprovingageing?
Training:Lostintranslation-howtocommunicatemosteffectivelywithnon-academics
Conference:TheDemographyofAgeingandOfficialStatistics
InternationalConference:AgeingGlobally-AgeingLocally
58 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
2012
Workshop:ReframingDementia
Launch:Decision-makingregardingmedicationuseinpatientswithdementiaattheendoflife
Training:FutureLeadersofAgeingResearchinEuropeSummerSchool
Launch:Useofvideogamestoimprovebalanceandpreventfallsinolderpeople
2013
Workshop:EuropeanYearforActiveAgeingandSolidaritybetweenGenerations-WheretoNext?
Seminar:WhatwecanlearnfromthedataontheislandofIrelandaboutlifeexpectancies
Workshop:Policy/ResearchExchange-RuralAgeing
Training:InternationalTrainingProgrammeonAgeing
Launch:E-government&OlderPeopleinIreland,NorthandSouth
2014
Seminar:Housingforanageingpopulation
Workshop:Whyandhowtogetinvolvedinageingresearch,Dublin
Workshop:Whyandhowtogetinvolvedinageingresearch,Belfast
InauguralMeeting:LeadershipProgramme
Seminar:Keepingactiveforbetterageing
Workshop:Futuredirectionsandcollectivestrengthsindementiaresearch
2015
Launch:DisabilityinolderheartdiseasepatientsinIreland
LeadershipProgramme–ScientificMeeting
InternationalTrainingProgrammeinAgeing:DementiaandMemoryImpairment
CARDI: An overview 2007-2015 59
60 CARDI: An overview 2007-2015
Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland
ForestviewPurdy’sLaneBelfastBT87ARTel:+44(0)28906900665thFloorBishop’sSquareRedmond’sHillDublin2Tel:+353(0)14786308
Email:[email protected]:www.cardi.ie September2015