Torrens University Australia has officially established the Centre of Positive Ageing and Wellbeing, demonstrating its enduring commitment to serving the local community and as part of its broader strategy to be ‘Here for Good’.

The Centre has a remit to find solutions to some of the key challenges facing an ageing population, including mobility, isolation and loneliness, marriage and changing spousal relationships, workforce participation, crime and the aged, labour and participation and sexual health.

The Centre’s key focus will be addressing how society perceives and promotes positive ageing and wellbeing.

“Our research at the Centre and across the University aims to advance knowledge that positively contributes to social justice and wellbeing, improved health outcomes, strong governance systems, economic prosperity and international development,” explained Professor Justin Beilby, Vice Chancellor, Torrens University Australia.

“The Centre seeks to transform, and improve, the perception we have of ageing, and to encourage communities to develop supportive environments for healthier ageing,” explained Professor Beilby. “While Australia’s aged care sector is well established, it faces significant challenges in developing service models and introducing innovative practices in an increasingly consumer-driven environment.” 

It is hoped the Centre will become a Centre of Excellence within the next five years across the four pillars of education, industry, practice and research.

“Our vision is to build a national and international profile of excellence in innovative education, training and industry-based research into positive ageing,” said Professor Beilby. “Developing approaches that can be integrated across the industry is critical to the Centre’s long-term success.”

Highlighting its promise to be actively involved in all aspects impacting ageing, the Torrens University Centre of Positive Ageing and Wellbeing is sponsoring The Ageing Well Revolution, a two-day event in Adelaide from 22 November sharing insights into the business and social opportunities of modern ageing.

The Centre’s key objectives are:

•         Develop a suite of aged care and disability programs with a focus on employability;

•         Build robust aged care industry partnerships allowing the co-creation of flexible education programs and workforce opportunities;

•         Establish international relationships in the Asia, Middle East and Africa region to open up new opportunities, both on and off-shore;

•         Embed education campuses within aged care communities;

•         Create new programs in business, hospitality, education and design capitalising on new opportunities arising from our ageing population;

•         Undertake industry-based research to develop education and business products for the market, and the Laureate network.