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The Speed Dating sessions are offered in three rounds.
Each round allows you to listen to a different researcher speak about their research programme.
Click on the researcher’s name in the tabs above to read their abstracts.
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RESEARCH IN THE RETIREMENT VILLAGE (RV) COMMUNITY – Does the recruited sample reflect the resident population?
MJ Connolly1,2, J Hikaka2, K Bloomfield1,2, JB Broad1, Z Wu1, M Boyd3, K Peri3, C Calvert1,4, A Tatton1,2, A-M Higgins1, D. Bramley2
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Takapuna, New Zealand
- Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand
- Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
ABSTRACT
Background
Retirement Villages (RVs) for older people represent a burgeoning industry. However, we know little about residents’ demographics and health/disability issues – information which could inform health planning, facilitate independence and reduce service demand. RVs are semi-closed communities: access is most conveniently gained via RV managers. We studied RV residents in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) to acquire demographic, health/disability and social data, with a randomized-controlled-trial of a multidisciplinary intervention aimed to reduce adverse outcomes. We describe recruitment problems encountered.
Methods
We planned to approach all Auckland/Waitemata District RVs, randomly sampling residents in each village. Exclusions: Refusal of/inability to consent (complying with NZ legislation; ACER<65; person clinicians felt lacked capacity). Access via RV managers and contact residents by ‘letter-drop’ then ‘door-knocks’. In ‘small’ RVs (n<60 units), we planned contacting all residents, with random selection in ‘larger’ RVs.
Results
We approached managers of 53 of the 65 RVs. 38 initially replied positively, of which 34 permitted resident recruitment, 6 did not reply. 9 declined initial approach. Some prohibited ‘letter-drops’/‘door-knocks’ at all or without residents’ meetings to approve this methodology. Hence, we had to recruit volunteers (23 villages) via meetings, posters/newsletters and word-of-mouth. We recruited 578 residents from 33 villages (median age=82yrs; 420 female; 217:361 sampled:volunteers). ‘Sampled’ subjects were significantly more likely to live alone, to have entered the village seeking social support. Volunteers were more likely to have entered the village to reduce house maintenance, to have investment income, and participate in social activities. Volunteers less commonly reported dyspnoea and depression, but more commonly reported stroke and pain.
Conclusion
Due to organizational/managers’ policy, and NZ legislation prohibiting recruitment of those without legal capacity, our sample does not fully represent our RV population. Future RV research should consider alternative recruitment strategies e.g. random sampling from national census, electoral roll, or via residents’ organizations.
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Ageing Well & Learning for Employability: Caring Works!
Caring for loved ones at home is important for Pacific people. It is estimated that >430,000 people in NZ provide care and support for family and friends who have a health condition, injury or disability. Aiga (family) caring is inter-generational. Becoming a aiga carer can happen unexpectedly and lead to high levels of unmet needs and lifestyle changes. The role of our aiga carers is significant, and so are the opportunities to learn for employability and age well. What are we doing about it?
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“Te Whakahaumitanga” Matauranga Maori approaches to lifecourse wellbeing for Maori women.
This presentation will discuss some of the findings of the Ageing Well NSC postdoctoral research project Te Whakahaumitanga, a project that considered the cultural context of ageing well for kuia, with specific reference to the value and esteem that kuia are held in and the essential roles that they have in facilitating whānau and hapu wellbeing.
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Drug Burden Index and its Association with Hip Fracture Among Older Adults
Hamish A. Jamieson, Prasad S. Nishtala, Richard Scrase, Joanne M. Deely, Rebecca Abey-Nesbit, Sarah N. Hilmer, Darrell R. Abernethy, Sarah D. Berry, Vincent Mor, Cameron J. Lacey, Philip J. Schluter
Background: The Drug Burden Index (DBI) calculates the total sedative and anticholinergic load of prescribed medications, and is associated with functional decline and hip fractures in older adults. However, it is unknown if confounding factors influence the relationship between the DBI and hip fractures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the DBI and hip fractures, after correcting for mortality and multiple potential confounding factors.
Methods: A competing risk regression analysis conducted on a prospectively recruited New Zealand community-dwelling older population who had a standardized (interRAI) assessment between 1 September 2012 and 31 October 2015, the study’s end date. Outcome measures were survival status, and hip fracture, with time-varying DBI exposure derived from 90-day time-intervals. The multivariable competing risk regression model adjusted for a large number of medical comorbidities and activities of daily living.
Results: Among 70,553 adults assessed, 2,249 (3.2%) experienced at least one hip fracture, 20,194 (28.6%) died without experiencing a fracture, and 48,110 (68.2%) survived without a fracture. The mean follow-up time was 14.9 months (range: 1 day, 37.9 months). The overall DBI distribution was highly skewed, with median time-varying DBI exposure ranging from 0.93 (Q1=0.0, Q3=1.84) to 0.96 (Q1=0.0, Q3=1.90). DBI was significantly related to fracture incidence in unadjusted (p<0.001) and adjusted (p<0.001) analyses. The estimated subhazard ratio was 1.52 (95% confidence interval: 1.28, 1.81) for those with DBI>3 compared with those with DBI=0 in the adjusted analysis.
Conclusions: In this study, increasing DBI was associated with a higher likelihood of fractures after accounting for the competing risk of mortality and adjusting for confounders. The results of this unique study are important in validating the DBI as a guide for medication management and it could help reduce the risk of hip fractures in older adults.
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Health and Wellness Coaching (HWC) for the primary prevention of stroke.
This is a Phase III randomised controlled trial in which people in the community with a moderate to high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were randomised to receive either HWC over 9 months, or usual care (control group). HWC is a multidimensional psychological behaviour change intervention aimed at improving self-management of lifestyle behaviour and maintaining health and wellbeing. The primary outcome was a clinically significant reduction in their CVD risk score at 9-months post randomisation. The talk with discuss the background, methods and preliminary findings of this study.
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Listening to the voices of kaumātua – What do they say about their wellbeing and health?
Our research builds on unexpected findings from a feasibility study (FS) funded by AWNSC. We noted apparent diffidence in kaumātua talking about their own personal health, when compared with their confidence in presenting to us their understanding of wellbeing, which was holistic and traditionally based. Our FS suggested that kaumātua prize their personal health somewhat less than the health of their whānau and younger generations, and that their obligations as kaumātua occupy their thoughts more than their own health issues. How and why is this relevant to ageing research?
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Navigating between Islands: Fostering connections and engaging older Pacific Adults in a collaborative research partnership
Introduction:
Active involvement and participation of older adults is known to positively impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Compared to the total New Zealand population, Pacific people have poorer health outcomes and are less likely to engage with mainstream health service providers.
Aim:
To investigate how older Pacific people participate in health service provision.
Method:
A participatory action research methodology utilising Talanoa and Talanga approaches provided the foundation for this study. Pacific researchers trained in participatory action research methodologies and conversant in the relevant Pacific language undertook the collection of data. Ninety-five older Pacific Island people participated in the study as co-researchers. Data were collected via focus group interviews with Cook Island Māori, Samoan and Tongan older people. Interview data were analysed thematically.
Results:
Three priority issues were identified: “Nutrition and physical activity”, “Being digitally able”, “Health and social services”. Themes were presented back to the ethnic groups for ratification and the development of potential interventions.
Conclusions:
Engaging older Pacific Island people as co-researchers resulted in the development and trialling of a culturally-sensitive podiatry service. The findings from this project demonstrate it is possible to work in partnership with communities to improve health and wellbeing.
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Project J: the challenges and highlights of invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation to aid stroke recovery.
Project J aimed to improve the ageing experience in a pilot study of those with stroke. Here, I will update on the results in a small number of stroke survivors the effect of invasive stimulation to augment the effect of rehabilitation therapy on function of the affected upper limb. I will share some of the challenges we have faced with recruitment, and the experiences we have had since trying to circumvent some of these challenges.
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Staying UPright and Eating well Research – SUPER Study
Frailty, a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, is a precursor to functional decline and increased risk of losing independence. The SUPER study is a collaborative research between Auckland and Otago Universities to determine which of the three programmes is most impactful in preventing functional loss and reversing frailty. The three programmes are Senior Chef (a group based nutrition and cooking programme for 8 weeks), Steading As You GO, SAYGO (a group based strength and balance exercise for 10 weeks) and Social group; one group of participants attended both Senior Chef and SAYGO programmes.
In 2016, we invited more than five thousands New Zealanders aged 75+ who were at risk of losing independence through their GPs. Of this, five hundreds were enrolled and equal number of people in each group. Each participant received a comprehensive assessments ranging from balance test, number of falls, muscle strength, body composition, physical activity level, nutrition status, and cognition. Assessments are repeated four times over two years to measure change.
In June, two-thirds have completed all the assessments; the remaining one-third will complete their assessments by June 2020. The average age was 81 years; 59% women and most of them (98%) living in private residence. Early findings showed two-fifths reported they had a fall in the past year and two-thirds were moderately/very concern about falling over. Most of the participants have enjoyed the programmes with about half of them are continuing the programme and some bringing along new members. We have annual feedback meeting with the group where we present findings and updates to the group and their partners/family/friends.
