The dynamics of spousal relationships in very late life: transitions, psychological health and longevity. This research will provide a rare insight into the dynamics of very-long term successful marriages. It will also provide an understanding of the dyad in ageing well. In a society where a large percentage of marriages end in divorce, this work has the potential to identify individual differences factors that are conducive to sustaining the marital relationship. In addition, an examination o ....The dynamics of spousal relationships in very late life: transitions, psychological health and longevity. This research will provide a rare insight into the dynamics of very-long term successful marriages. It will also provide an understanding of the dyad in ageing well. In a society where a large percentage of marriages end in divorce, this work has the potential to identify individual differences factors that are conducive to sustaining the marital relationship. In addition, an examination of how couples from different socio-economic backgrounds navigate later life in their own homes or during key late life transitions will also be beneficial for those individuals or policy makers planning for these transitions.Read moreRead less
Adaptive capabilities in the elderly during extreme heat events in South Australia. This study, using first hand accounts of experiences and perceptions of the extreme heat event of 2009 in South Australia, will provide a valuable insight into the heat adaptive capability of the ageing population, factors affecting susceptibility, and ways to curb the predicted increase in often life-threatening heat exacerbated illnesses, many of which require extended hospital stays. It is envisaged that findi ....Adaptive capabilities in the elderly during extreme heat events in South Australia. This study, using first hand accounts of experiences and perceptions of the extreme heat event of 2009 in South Australia, will provide a valuable insight into the heat adaptive capability of the ageing population, factors affecting susceptibility, and ways to curb the predicted increase in often life-threatening heat exacerbated illnesses, many of which require extended hospital stays. It is envisaged that findings will help inform health policy and contribute to the formulation of a National Heatwave Response plan. Study findings will be disseminated widely at government (state and federal), non-government, and community levels and will help to raise the awareness of heat exacerbated illness in general.Read moreRead less
A prospective study of the transition to grandparenthood: psychosocial adjustment, well-being and productive ageing. Given the increasingly common childcare role that grandparents are required to play in Australian society, and the increasing demands of grandparenting, potential benefits arising from this study adhere to the requirements of the National Research Priority Area "Promoting and Maintaining Good Health." They include: identifying the characteristics of the group of grandparents for w ....A prospective study of the transition to grandparenthood: psychosocial adjustment, well-being and productive ageing. Given the increasingly common childcare role that grandparents are required to play in Australian society, and the increasing demands of grandparenting, potential benefits arising from this study adhere to the requirements of the National Research Priority Area "Promoting and Maintaining Good Health." They include: identifying the characteristics of the group of grandparents for whom the change of role and lifestyle produces negative effects; providing increased awareness in health professionals and the lay community about this subgroup, enabling appropriate early identification and intervention; supplying evidence-based data to inform strategies to reduce stress in the grandparents and improve the quality of childcare they provide.Read moreRead less