Ageing Well Together

This project focuses on the characteristics shared by older couples that promote physical and mental health in later life.  Close relationships are important in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of individuals over the lifespan.  By including partnered individuals in this project we are able to explore the extent to which important aspects of ageing well including aspects of lifestyle, social networks, physical exercise and mental health tend to be shared by members of a couple, or are more reflective of individual characteristics. 

We can also assess the extent to which an individual’s health outcomes are associated with characteristics of their partner.  A particular focus of the project is on the association of social-cognitive factors such as control beliefs and emotion regulation strategies with health and well-being. 

The study currently includes 120 couples, with the initial findings expected to become available in 2008.  

ARU staff working on the Ageing Well Together project

• Dr Tim Windsor