New Research Tackles Depression among Older Australians and Their Carers
The National Ageing Research Institute has begun a ground-breaking program that aims to tackle depression among older Australians and their carers by improving their fitness.
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8 November 2011
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today visited the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) to launch the start of research into a ground-breaking program that aims to tackle depression among older Australians and their carers by improving their fitness.
The study is the first of its kind and will investigate whether the use of the Otago Exercise Program by older Australians and their carers can reduce the incidence of depression and improve mental wellbeing.
The Gillard Labor Government is providing more than $690,000 grant funding for the four year study.
“Carers provide the majority of direct care to older Australians and the invaluable work that they carry out underpins the lives of many families right across the country,” Mr Butler said.
“Often this care is provided at a cost to their own physical and mental health.
“As Australia’s population ages and an increasing number of older frail and disabled people require care, it’s important we support people who are adjusting to the needs and responsibilities of being a carer and help them to stay happy and healthy. Providing support to carers will improve their quality of life and the quality of the caring relationship.
“The National Ageing Research Institute has been a model for translating research into practice since the early 1970s and this research is a wonderful example of health and medical research improving the physical and mental well-being of older Australians, their families and carers.”
Carers and care recipients will take part in the personalised home exercise program together which will include balance and strength training. Improving the fitness of carers and care recipients will help build confidence, reduce isolation and depression and prevent falls.
The Gillard Government is providing $673.7 million this year for more than 1,000 health and medical research grants – the single largest investment in health and medical research in Australian history.
For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280
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