A comprehensive new study led by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Health and Ageing Research Team (HART) is set to investigate the factors contributing to wellbeing in later life. The 2024 Health, Work and Retirement (HWR) survey, part of a longitudinal study, will delve into early and mid-life predictors of frailty, aiming to inform policies that enhance the quality of life for all older adults.
Growing Concern
As the population of older adults continues to rise, this demographic shift highlights advancements in public health. However, the benefits of increased lifespans have not been equally distributed across all groups. HART’s latest study seeks to address this disparity by exploring the pathways to healthy ageing. The findings from this research are expected to contribute to the development of policies and practices that not only improve the wellbeing of older adults but also positively impact their families and communities.
Survey Focus
HART’s 2024 HWR survey, which will be distributed this month, aims to identify the social and environmental factors influencing wellbeing trajectories in later life. This survey builds on 18 years of research conducted by the HART team, which began in 2006 and has involved over 14,000 participants. The study has provided valuable insights into various aspects of ageing in Aotearoa New Zealand, including health, employment, retirement, caregiving, and housing. These insights have played a crucial role in shaping government policies to enhance the lives of older New Zealanders.
Expanding Participation
This year, the survey will be sent to 6,626 previous participants, with an additional 8,570 new recruits identified through the electoral roll. This expansion is vital to ensure the study continues to represent those over 55 as the original participants age.
Research Leadership
Professor Fiona Alpass ONZM, Principal Investigator and HART lead, emphasizes that most research on ageing has traditionally focused on responding to frailty once it has occurred. “We aim to support people to age in place within their communities and to maintain good health. To do this, we need to identify early-life predictors that can help prevent frailty in later years,” she explains.
Dr. Brendan Stevenson, also a Principal Investigator, is particularly focused on understanding the unique trajectories of healthy ageing among older Māori. “We know that older Māori often face different outcomes due to unequal access to resources throughout their lives. This study will help us understand these disparities and develop solutions to improve future outcomes for older Māori,” he says.
A Collaborative Effort
HART comprises researchers from seven institutions across Aotearoa, bringing together expertise in ageing research, statistical modelling, and data science. The study is led by researchers from Māori, Pacific, and Chinese communities, ensuring that the benefits of a long and healthy life are accessible to all members of the community.
Acknowledging Participants
The HART team expresses deep gratitude to the participants of the HWR longitudinal study, whose nearly two decades of contributions have created a powerful resource for understanding healthy ageing. Their dedication has provided invaluable data that will continue to inform strategies for improving health and wellbeing among older adults.
Funding and Future Prospects
HART’s work is supported by funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, ensuring that this crucial research will continue from 2023 to 2028. The insights gained from this study will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ageing in New Zealand, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a healthier, more equitable ageing process for all.
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