Co-designing an enriched cohort study to examine periods of transition for older adults

This project established a cohort of older adults to be followed over time in order to examine social connection, mental health and substance use disorders during high-risk periods such as transition to retirement.

The results of this study will provide an understanding of how major life transitions influence mental health and substance use to inform prevention strategies and support healthier ageing.

We have undertaken a “co-design” process where we have collaborated with people in the community and other key stakeholders to ensure that both the research questions and the research design reflect what is important to them. Our goal for the co-design process was to ensure that the recruitment and data collection methods are inclusive and acceptable, and that the findings are relevant to older adults and those who provide relevant healthcare and other services.

Project Funder

National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA) and the Ian Potter Foundation

Project Partners

A collaboration between Monash Addiction Research Centre (MARC), the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, the NCHA, the Burnet Institute, Turning Point, Edith Cowan University and Peninsula Health

Project staff

Professor Suzanne Nielsen, Dr Tina Lam, Dr Aislinn Lalor, Associate Professor Nadine Andrew, Professor Paul Dietze, Dr Brett Coulson, Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri, Dr Stephen Bright, Professor Keith Hill, Dr Laura Alfrey, Dr Leanne Francia, Ms Kirsty Morgan and Ms Alex Shipton