New study to boost aged care resident activity
Government backs aged care wellbeing research
- $480k study: The Federal Government is funding research into aged care motivation
- Resident engagement: The project will explore how to increase exercise participation
- Motiview results: Earlier research linked immersive cycling programs
- Sector collaboration: Harbison, Western Sydney University, aged care partners involved
Can motivation science help aged care providers encourage residents to take part in exercise and wellbeing programs?
The Federal Government is spending $480,000 to fund part of the Australian Research Council (ARC)’s Linkage Project, a $100 million program to address problems of national importance.
Western Sydney University will lead the research, which will build on a 2023 study between community-owned NSW aged care provider Harbison, based in the Southern Highlands, and Western Sydney University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development.
The project aims to create better understanding of how to encourage aged care residents to engage in wellbeing programs. Outcomes are expected to include new training resources and practical approaches to support aged care providers.
The earlier study found Harbison’s Motiview wellbeing program, which uses immersive indoor cycling technology, contributed to improved physical, psychological and social wellbeing for participants, while also positively impacting staff and participant’s families.
“Programs like Motiview play a life-changing role by increasing movement, motivation, connection and engagement for older people,” said Harbison CEO David Cochran.
"This research gives us an opportunity to contribute to a stronger evidence base for the future of aged care."
Other participants in the study include Motitech, Muve Tech, OneCare and Carrington Care.
