Why this cluster exists 

Globally, it is expected that the number of people aged 65 years or older will reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This is cause for celebration for how successful we have been in improving health through technological advancement. Yet it results in different needs with ageing to ensure older adults retain quality of life, maintaining function, agency and independence.

Ageing presents a public health and economic challenge for governments around the world. The retirement age is being raised in many countries, which means there is a need for innovative strategies to enable older to people to remain independent, productive, and healthy.

The proportion of people in Australia aged 65 years and over will increase to 22% of the population by 2057. On the Sunshine Coast, the population aged 65+ is already 22 percent. This places UniSC in a unique position to play a leading role regionally – and to impact the health of older adults globally through our research.

The Healthy Ageing Cluster combines research and clinical expertise from across UniSC to lead the discovery and implementation of solutions to promote healthy ageing in its geographical footprint from the Fraser Coast, the Sunshine Coast and the City of Moreton Bay. The Healthy Ageing Cluster is a key focal point for collaborative research between UniSC and community and industry stakeholders. The Healthy Ageing Cluster will become a leading local community led integration between researchers, industry and end-users to enhance ageing in its geographical footprint and be at the forefront both nationally and internationally in promoting and supporting healthy ageing.