CHALLENGE AREA
15 2019 ANNUAL REPORT GLOBAL CHALLENGES PROGRAM
Living Well, Longer Ageing and dementia, mental illness, and therapeutic and personal recovery. Before the dawn of a new decade, Australia marked a significant turning point with a number of inquiries including a national Aged Care Royal Commission, a national Mental Health Productivity Commission and a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health system. Challenge Leader
PROFESSOR LORNA MOXHAM
In terms of mental health, the increased awareness of the detrimental effects of mental illness and suicide, have seen some proactive changes occur. These sentiments are reflected in the 2019 National Report produced by The National Mental Health Commission, which identifies a number of key reforms and increases in funding for mental health services. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Interim Report found “the aged care system fails to meet the needs of its older, vulnerable citizens”. Dementia has also received unprecedented attention worldwide, with the number of people anticipated to be living with dementia expected to increase exponentially by the year 2025. Solutions to improving these health challenges continue to be complex, and will require combined efforts from many. This year, the Connections for Life with Dementia keystone project is embracing strong partnerships with communities in order to achieve meaningful impact. The project has
hosted intergenerational playgroups, is investigating how people living with dementia experience connections to care and developing methodologies to understand how urban geographies and building design can support social connections for people living with (or at risk of ) dementia. The Openability team’s research has resulted in the removal of plastic cutlery at Canberra Hospital, as well as changes to some packaged items and the re-introduction of water jugs. These researchers have made strong international connections, been invited to contribute their knowledge on the global scene and are working alongside hospital management. This collegial spirit, determination and dedication lies at the heart of the Living Well, Longer challenge, and the Global Challenges Program more broadly. In 2020, the Living Well, Longer challenge looks forward to welcoming both new and existing projects and researchers, who are adventurous, inclusive and work collegially to improve health and wellbeing.
