The research uncovered high inequality across different neighbourhoods, as well as social isolation amongst groups and individuals within the older population. Such experiences are reflected in the provision of various services by faith spaces, these often targeting recent migrants, those experiencing isolation and/or financial hardship, and people undergoing challenging life transitions such as bereavement, divorce, health problems and relocation.

The experts are calling for a more strategic involvement of faith-based groups in public health and age-friendly agendas. Taking into consideration the existing support happening in faith spaces and the opportunities for that work to be expanded, they suggest that policymakers should explore how to enhance the role of faith spaces in contributing to promoting health and wellbeing in the community, and provide support to enhance the social function of faith spaces, both for existing users and members of the wider community.

They also appeal for recognition of the role of faith spaces in supporting isolated/newly arrived groups to the community and their potential to connect older people to age-friendly initiatives, as well as support for faith spaces to access funding and the broadening of the age-friendly framework to embrace spiritual participation and cultural diversity.

The report is available to view

The research will focus on the everyday lived experience of veterans with dementia who live in the community, and build an evidence base so that effective support can be provided to veterans and their family members who provide care. The project will also explore perceived links between previous experiences in the Armed Forces and dementia diagnoses.

Anthea Innes, Professor of Health Aging and Society at McMaster University said: 鈥淭his project was developed because veterans and their family members have told us that it is needed. It began by listening to those with lived experience, and hearing about their experiences of feeling overlooked and lacking appropriate support. As such, the research will focus on listening to these people, and the gap they have identified in the evidence which policymakers and practitioners have available to them.鈥�

Dr Lydia Morris, a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester said: 鈥淚 am very pleased to be involved in this research because veterans living with dementia and their families have told us how much it is needed. It seems that these individuals can 鈥榝all through gaps鈥� in service provision and so be left unsupported.  We are keen to understand the issues and improve service provision.鈥�

Tom McBarnet, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said 鈥淔orces in Mind Trust exists to support those transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life and their families. Little evidence exists on veterans鈥� experiences of living with dementia and the support they receive or would like to receive. This will be the first empirical research focussing on the everyday experience of this community and their families. We are pleased to be funding this important community-focussed research, which will give a voice to those living with this complex condition and their families.鈥�

For anyone who supports veterans with dementia living in their communities in the Greater 91直播 area who is interested in taking part in the research, please contact Dr Lydia Morris by emailing lydia.morris@manchester.ac.uk.

Image contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

A major new health research programme, led by researchers from The University of Manchester, has been announced today (11 July 2019) to tackle Greater 91直播’s biggest health challenges, as part of a £135m national investment.

The National Institute for Health Research () is funding the establishment of 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England to develop innovative research projects that will directly improve patient care and treatment.

The NIHR ARC for Greater 91直播 will become part of from 1 October 2019, bringing together researchers, health and care providers, patients and communities to deliver large programmes of research.

Professor Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of Health Innovation 91直播, said: “Our role is to conduct research that addresses the needs of Greater 91直播’s 2.8m citizens and accelerate implementation of the findings and proven innovations through our devolved health and care system. This has a direct impact on people’s health and wellbeing, transforms local services and supports the creation of jobs, growth and prosperity for all.

“The ARC’s research activity will be pivotal in finding new and better ways of preventing illness and delivering care, ensuring that Greater 91直播 continues to be at the leading edge of health innovation, care and treatment.”

Over the next five years, the ARC will focus research on helping older people to stay healthy for longer, supporting people with mental health problems, making better use of technology, organising services to address local needs and ensuring services are sustainable. This will be underpinned by expertise in evaluation and implementation science.

The University of Manchester's , Director for the NIHR ARC Greater 91直播, said: “Through the ARC, we will deliver excellent research that addresses key challenges, as well as supporting professionals to translate this into practice. Our broad research themes reflect the specific priorities of Greater 91直播 and build on our exceptional research capabilities.

“We will work with our partners to translate their priorities into answerable research questions, ensuring that our jointly-produced research is relevant, useful and applicable to local service needs and affects policy and practice within GM and beyond.”

The ARC builds on the work undertaken by the current NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Research in Health and Care () Greater 91直播, which has carried out applied research and supported its impact in practice over the last six years. This includes improving care for people after a stroke, supporting carers of those requiring end of life care, developing improved access to primary care and improving complex wound care in the community.

Professor Ruth Boaden, Director of the NIHR CLAHRC Greater 91直播, said:

“I’m delighted that the ARC will continue to develop the work of the CLAHRC. It’s great to see how the ARC’s priorities will be aligned to the evolving needs of our local population in Greater 91直播. CLAHRC GM is leaving a proud legacy of new knowledge and resources addressing some of the biggest challenges in health care; as well as great relationships, and the development of research skills and capacity among our partners. I am sure that the ARC will be able to build on this excellent work when it starts in October.”

will be the host NHS provider of the ARC and the University of Manchester will be the host academic institution.

The University of Manchester has been awarded a Gold Watermark for the effectiveness of the ways in which it works to engage society with its activities in research, culture and teaching.

Winning a gold Engage Watermark is the highest honour that can be awarded to an institution and recognises ‘exceptional strategic leadership of public engagement; high standards of professional support; and excellence in partnership working’.

Awarded by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (), the Engage Watermark has been launched as a charter mark for universities that assesses their support for public engagement across all aspects of their work. The Watermark was announced at the NCCPE Engage Conference in Edinburgh on 29 November.

The award followed a rigorous assessment involving staff from across the campus, and partner organisations working with them. It award recognises the strategic support for public engagement across the University, as well as plans to develop this work in the future.

At 91直播 this includes a whole host of public facing events such as – an event held annually at the intu Trafford Centre – and – a science and music festival at the world-famous Jodrell Bank.

The University also actively encourages staff to involve the public in research: including in ageing (see case study below), mental health and citizen science project.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “I am delighted we have been awarded a Gold Watermark for our work on public engagement, which is a key part of our social responsibility agenda. This recognises the excellent track record we have for delivering and supporting public engagement and our ambitious plans to embed this work further.”

Paul Manners, Director of the NCCPE said ”Since the early days of the NCCPE we have been championing a culture in higher education where public engagement can thrive. The Engage Watermark offers a benchmarking opportunity for institutions to evidence their commitment and achievements – combined with intelligence gathering to inform their future planning.

“We are delighted to be able to award The University of Manchester a Gold Engage Watermark. The University has been a beacon of excellence for public engagement for many years – with superb leadership and a sector-leading approach to supporting engagement across the institution. The University’s commitment to ‘making a difference’ through its public engagement is an example to all – and we hope they will inspire others to do the same.”

CASE STUDY:

By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities, with at least one-quarter of their populations aged 60 and over. In response the World Health Organisation has initiated the creation of 'age-friendly cities and communities’ and the city of Manchester has signed up to be an age-friendly city.

This project involved a partnership with The University of Manchester’s Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (), 91直播 City Council, Whalley Range Community Forum, Chorlton Good Neighbours Neighbourhood Care Group, Age Friendly Whalley Range/Chorlton, and a range of other local community organisations.

The project aimed to identify the issues older residents and community stakeholders view as important in developing the ‘age-friendliness’ of their neighbourhood by working with older people as co-researchers to promote evidence-based policy making and practice at the local level, eventually leading to an improvement in the quality of life in low income neighbourhoods.

To ensure vulnerable groups of older people living in low income neighbourhoods were involved in identifying areas in need of improvement and developing initiatives for community change; older people were recruited and trained as co-researchers. They took a leading role in the design, implementation, analysis and dissemination of the research. The 17 co-researchers conducted 68 qualitative interviews with socially isolated older people living in low-income neighbourhoods in 91直播, who were experiencing isolation, poverty and/or health problems.

Evaluation of the project was carried out through a series of audio-recorded ‘reflection meetings’ with the older co-researchers with the aim of discussing and analysing issues raised in the development of their research programme. It highlighted various opportunities including how participation created a sense of ownership and made the involvement of older people more visible. The co-researchers produced a guide to the work they did and the benefits of participation and of the research interview process.

The project led to tangible policy outcomes for the City Council to advance ‘age-friendly’ communities, for example the reinstating of a bus service. The project won the NCCPE’s Engage Award 2016 for Working in Partnership and Dr Buffel, key research lead, was invited to speak at the UN Conference and the project was commended by the World Health Organisation.

Hearing aids and cataract surgery are strongly linked to a slower rate of age-related cognitive decline, according to new research by University of Manchester academics.

According to and , cognitive decline- which affects memory and thinking skills- is slowed after patient’s hearing and sight are improved.

The rate of decline was halved following cataract surgery and was 75% less following the adoption of hearing aids.

The research on cataract surgery - which is published in  today– was carried out using 2,068 individuals who underwent cataract surgery between Wave 2 and Wave 6 of the English Longitudinal 91直播 of Ageing survey from between 2002 to 2014.

They were compared with 3,636 individuals with no cataract surgery.

And the research on hearing aids, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in July, was carried out using 2040 participants in the American Health and Retirement survey from 1996 to 2014

Both surveys assess cognitive decline by testing memory, asking participants to recall 10 words immediately and then at the end of the cognitive function module.

The researchers compared the rates of decline before and after the patients had surgery or started wearing a hearing aid.

Dr Dawes said: “These studies underline just how important it is to overcome the barriers which deny people from accessing hearing and visual aids.

“It’s not really certain why hearing and visual problems have an impact on cognitive decline, but I’d guess that isolation, stigma and the resultant lack of physical activity that are linked to hearing and vision problems might have something to do with it.

“And there are barriers to overcome: people might not want to wear hearing aids because of stigma attached to wearing them, or they feel the amplification is not good enough or they’re not comfortable.

“Perhaps a way forward is adult screening to better identify hearing and vision problems and in the case of hearing loss, demedicalising the whole process so treatment is done outside the clinical setting. That could reduce stigma.

“Wearable hearing devices are coming on stream nowadays which might also be helpful. They not only assist your hearing, but give you access to the internet and other services

Dr Maharani said: “Age is one of the most important factors implicated in cognitive decline. We find that hearing and vision interventions may slow it down and perhaps prevent some cases of dementia, which is exciting- though we can’t say yet that this is a causal relationship.

“Other studies have attempted to look at rates of cognitive decline- but have not really succeeded as it’s hard to take into account demographic factors.

“But the beauty of this study is that we’re comparing the progress of the same individuals over time.”

‘’ is published in Plos One.

‘’ is published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

This research is funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Framework

, and ,

Legislation to outlaw discrimination on the basis of age was first introduced in the UK . It was designed to protect people of all ages from discrimination, but older workers are more likely to be adversely affected by age-related stereotypes. It seems there are a number of unfair assumptions about the ability of older workers, which in turn influences how people behave towards older job applicants.

This is particularly hard to justify when older workers (loosely defined as people over the age of 50) are generally more experienced. And, since , the UK default retirement age has been scrapped. This means there is no longer a set retirement age for most jobs (there is still a state pension age, although this too is rising in line with increased life expectancy) so a lot more people are working beyond their 60s.

Despite the legal protection that now exists to prohibit age-related discrimination, that there tends to be a delay between the outlawing of discrimination and a reduction in that type of discrimination. After all, we have had sex discrimination protection since 1975, but most people would agree that sex discrimination is still happening. Age discrimination laws should help to change stereotypes over time but thus far there is of a decline in discrimination.

As part of our “” research project, we explored some of the views managers held about older workers. It supports other findings that . One manager we interviewed about his hiring practices said:

We’re actually looking for someone between the ages of 25 and 35. That’s not being ageist but that’s just ensuring they’ve got the energy, the drive and the passion to learn.

Here are five of the most common stereotypes about older workers, and how they can be challenged.

A representative video (portrayed by an actor) of age discrimination in recruitment.

1. They can’t learn new things

There is lots of research which dispels this myth. Older workers have been found to have lots of experience adapting to new tools, environments or working practices. Did you know that the average age for successful entrepreneurs ?

2. They are less productive

There is very little evidence supporting this in people of working age, even taking into account the fact that people are retiring later than before. We might expect physical and cognitive abilities to decline with age, but this tends to be at an older age than you would be working. Age and workplace performance should not be seen to be linked with showing older workers are just as effective as younger workers.

3. They take more time off sick

Research has shown this to be an inaccurate assumption. On average, it is true that older workers tend to take more time off on long-term sickness, but they also take less time off due to with no notice.

Older workers are also at . This averages out to be a similar amount of sickness time taken for all employees. There also are to improve the health of the workforce at all ages. This would allow us all to live longer, healthier lives.

4. They will retire and leave the organisation

The average age of the population is increasing. As the population ages, the average age of employees will increase, too. There is no longer a . So employers should recognise that a worker employed with lots of experience – – could easily stay with the organisation for many more years.

When someone joins a company at 24, there is no stronger guarantee that they will stay any longer, due to the quite modern practice of regularly switching jobs. So employers are faced with the same retention dilemma for all age groups. We now change jobs around on average.

5. They are ‘overqualified’ (and this is bad)

In some of our , terms such as “inflexible” and “overqualified” were examples of the feedback given to older applicants when they were rejected for jobs. It is hard to justify the use of the term “overqualified”, although it can perhaps be explained by employers being concerned about people leaving the job after a short space of time for a job that better matches their skill set.

Meanwhile, there are many good reasons that an experienced worker may want to take a step down to a role that requires fewer specialist skills than their previous job. Also, older workers often report wanting part-time, more flexible, or less stressful jobs, which might explain their moving to jobs they may be viewed as “overqualified” for.

There are numerous benefits to having a workforce . In order to make the most out of the skills of an ageing society and understand diverse customers, employers must think beyond these stereotypes of ageing.

, Lecturer in Organisational Psychology, and , Senior Lecturer in Organisational Psychology,

This article was originally published on . Read the .

The University of Manchester has been awarded funding for two Policy Research Units to explore how the health needs of the ageing population are to be met and to investigate how health and care systems and commissioning will look in the future.

The £10m funding from the is designed to ensure that the government and arms-length bodies have the best possible information and evidence available when making policy decisions about health and social care.

One of the Units, led by 91直播 with Newcastle University and the London School of Economics will focus on Older People and Frailty. The researchers will work closely and flexibly with policy makers on and the needs of this population and the people who provide care for them. This includes patients, carers and the public who will be part of the team throughout.

The work will be arranged in themes, such as the impact of population change on health and social care; links between frailty, disability and multiple conditions; long-term and end-of-life care; use of technologies; personalised care; self-care and healthy ageing.

There are also some issues that are so important or influential, they will be considered in every aspect of the research. These include social inequalities, experiences of family and other carers, current financial constraints, Brexit and how best to commission services for the future.

, Director of the Older People and Frailty PRU at The University of Manchester, said: “The funding of this research unit offers a huge opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of older people and those with frailty.

“We have brought together world-leading researchers who will dedicate themselves to advancing policy-related research so as to make a real difference by working with the Department of Health and Social Care to promote healthy ageing.”

The other Policy Research Unit has been renewed and has been working on the issue of Health and Care Systems and Commissioning since 2011. It will receive a further £5 million over the next five years and will also include the University of Kent and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Its research focuses upon the structures and organisation that underpin how the health and care systems work. This includes evidence summaries explaining what we know about how services should be planned and paid for, research exploring how GP services are working and the pressures that GPs experience and research into how different payment mechanisms affect how organisations behave.

Deputy Director of , said: “Seventy years after its establishment the NHS is in a time of transition, with welcome additional funding providing opportunities to integrate services across the health and social care landscape.

“Our research will be at the cutting-edge of these developments, ensuring a strong evidence base to underpin the development of new approaches to service delivery.

“The University of Manchester has a growing reputation for policy-related research, and this new investment by the Department of Health and Social Care provides an excellent opportunity to extend and develop our research and engagement with the policy process.”

New research is showing how being connected with their local community has reaped enormous benefits for people with dementia.

Research Associate Sarah Campbell, from The University of Manchester, says familiarity with people in local shops, cafes and even on the street, was crucial to the participants of the study.

Acts of kindness by neighbours like taking the bins out each week, she said had a huge effect on their wellbeing.

The researchers also found that some people with dementia still had a valuable role in their neighbourhoods by ‘keeping an eye’ out, collecting newspapers and caring for grandchildren.

The research is part of a funded by theand the 

It is one of the first and largest studies to investigate how people living with dementia, and their partners, experience their local neighbourhoods.

56 people -29 with dementia and 27 Family carers - from across Greater 91直播 were interviewed about their experience for the study.

The research team say their findings will encourage others to think about people living with dementia currently thought to be 850,000 people Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The figure worldwide is 44 million people, which is set to treble to 135 million by 2050, Alzheimer’s Research UK.

She said: “These findings together indicate how the neighbourhood operates through a series of links between people and place from the dementia café, to the local newsagents, and the neighbour two doors down.

“Many people with dementia will be living independently in neighbourhoods and communities, with the support of family, friends, neighbours and formal and informal service provides.

“But understanding the nature of support available in neighbourhood settings is crucial to ensuring everyone affected by dementia is able to live life as best they can.

‘Routines and habit’ are also an essential part of everyday life in connecting people to their neighbourhoods and to others. Such as using the same routes to walk the dog, or visiting the same café or attending dementia peer support groups.”

She added: “We would also encourage the public to come along to our drop-in event on 8 November and record their own experiences and thoughts about neighbouring, neighbourhoods and day-to-day life in relation to dementia.

“We’d like the public to also think about how they might be able to help people living with dementia in their own neighbourhoods and reflect on what it might be like to live in their own neighbourhoods with a diagnosis of dementia.”

A free drop in interactive event at the aims to inform the public on how people living with dementia experience everyday life in local places.

Location: 91直播 Central Library on Wed 8 November between 11am and 3pm. The drop-in event is jointly organised by University of Manchester and University of Salford academics.

People with dementia or memory problems, their carers, and anyone who is interested, can sign up to Join - an NIHR scheme designed to recruit participants for clinical research studies that can that can help us understand what causes the disease, develop effective treatments, improve care and hopefully one day find a cure. 

The  research project is led by Dr  from The Universityof Salford. Professor John Keady from The University of Manchester is the Chief Investigator for the wider programme of research.