Dynamic Analyses to Optimize Ageing (DYNOPTA)

The Dynamic Analyses to Optimize Ageing (DYNOPTA) project is a new innovative multi-disciplinary program that builds on Australia’s substantial investment in Longitudinal Ageing Studies. DYNOPTA draws together data from nine Australian longitudinal studies of ageing, with a combined pool of over 50000 participants.  The collective information provided by the studies will be used to identify key incidence rates and risk factors for health outcomes.

This project focuses on four outcomes that significantly contribute to the burden of disease and disability, namely

• dementia and cognition
• mental health
• sensory disability
• mobility/activity limitations

DYNOPTA will also develop the first Australian dynamic microsimulation model that will forecast the health and social outcomes of the baby boomer and older cohorts. The simulation modelling will allow researchers to evaluate the impact of modifying risk factors, and costs associated with different trajectories of health and ageing.
The outcomes of this project will have significant implications for health promotion, and are likely to inform social and medical interventions for healthy ageing in Australia many years into the future.

The DYNOPTA project is led by Associate Professor Anstey with chief investigators from The Australian National University, University of Canberra, Flinders University, International Diabetes Institute, Monash University, the University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney and University of Wollongong.

For more information please visit the DYNOPTA study website.

ARU staff working on DYNOPTA

• Associate Professor Kaarin Anstey (Project Leader)
• Dr Peter Butterworth (Chief Investigator)
• Dr Tim Windsor (Associate investigator)
• Dr Lesley Ross (Post Doctoral Fellow)
• Mr Richard Burns (Research Assistant)
• Mr Kim Kiely (Research Assistant)
• Ms Lauren Bartsch (Research Assistant)