$1.23M Granted to QUT Project Boosting Senior Well-being
“More than 90 per cent of older Australians wish to age in place for as long as possible,” Professor Xia, from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, said.
“However, our current community environments often fall short as they are primarily planned, designed, and managed for young families.”
Professor Xia’s project will explore the emergence and development of NORCs – residential areas not originally designed for older adults, but which have gradually become home to large concentration of older residents.
One particular case is Queensland’s Bribie Island: in 2021, 63.9 per cent of its residents were at least 50 years old and 44.6 per cent at least 65 years old, a factual NORC for years.
“This project aims to understand how NORCs influence independent living and well-being, and to provide evidence-based recommendations to inform government policies that support their future growth,” Professor Xia said.
“Our goal is to generate new knowledge on the origin, evolution, and dynamics of NORCs in Australia, contributing to more age-friendly environments and a better quality of life for our ageing population.”
Professor Xia’s research focuses on age-friendly cities, sustainable buildings, construction management, and the built environment for older people.
Future Fellowships reflect the Government’s commitment to excellence in research by supporting high quality research in areas of national and international benefit, including in national research priorities – from building a secure and resilient nation to transitioning to a net zero future.
ARC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ute Roessner, said the ARC Future Fellowships scheme plays a vital role in building Australia’s research and innovation pipeline.
“By investing in research capability, we enable the development of new knowledge and innovations that can translate into real-world impact, from improving education and environmental management to driving economic and social benefits,” Professor Roessner said.
“The research funded in this round of Future Fellowships showcases the breadth of outstanding work being undertaken by talented researchers to address national and international priorities.”
Main photo: Professor Bo Xia
https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=200790