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Research Programs
The research programs address important questions in the field of aging, relevant to today's and tomorrow's older adults.
Aging and Independence.
In 2002 WHO developed a policy framework on Active Ageing, the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population groups. Maintaining autonomy and independence for older people is a key goal in the policy framework for active ageing. Maintaining independence is a cross-cutting theme as it is the result of six key determinants: economic, health and social services, behavioural, personal, physical environment and social environment.
Aging and Social Inclusion
Social inclusion exists when older people can participate as valued, respected and contributing members of society. On the other hand, social exclusion exists when older people experience varying forms of disadvantage such as exclusion from: economic or material resources, social participation, access to basic services, access to outdoor spaces and public buildings, and disengagement from active participation in civic or political institutions and decision making.
Aging & Mental Health
Aging and mental health addresses a wider range of topics from the determinants of positive mental health, to support the support and treatment of dementia, pain management, depression, disabilities, personality disorders, high risk older adults, eating disorders, crisis intervention, substance abuse and more. Improved quality of mental health services through increased capacity of community providers to treat and support older persons with mental health issues both in institutional settings and in the community is an important goal of this research theme.
