Projects

Shaping Connections is a research program co-created by with the University of Third Age (U3A). The program seeks to understand better how ICT use supports seniors’ connectedness and enhances social inclusion and participation. Social exclusion is one of the biggest killers of older adults. Research shows that 44% of people aged over 65 years' experience social exclusion, which is twice the rate of exclusion for other age groups. Further, at least 10% of senior Australians suffer from loneliness or social isolation, a number that has failed to drop over the last two decades. Consequently, increased social inclusion for older Australians is a central goal of the Australian government. Our focus is on social connectedness to address this inclusion goal. Connectedness enhances older adult's wellbeing and has a positive effect on their physical and mental health. For more information contact Dr. Torgeir Aleti or Associate Professor Bernardo Figueiredo.