Our research

We carry out research into promoting healthy ageing, the future needs of older people and the provision of high-quality, cost-effective care. This includes our main research projects, rapid responses to government bodies and COVID-19 research.

Themes

Our work is arranged in themes that are central to the health, wellbeing and care of older people:

• the impact of population change on health and social care;
• the links between frailty, disability and multiple conditions;
• long-term and end-of-life care;
• use of technologies;
• personalised care;
• self-care and healthy ageing.

Important or influential issues will be considered in every aspect of our research. These include:

• social inequalities;
• the experiences of family and other carers;
• current financial constraints;
• Brexit;
• how best to commission services for the future.

Health and social care services are working closer together to deliver care that is designed for individuals, and our research will take this shift into account.

Methods

We use a range of research methods to answer important policy questions in a way that is timely, scientifically robust, takes account of patient and public views, and makes the best use of resources. In particular, we focus on:

• evidence synthesis (bringing together findings from existing research);
• big data analysis (analyses of existing datasets that include large numbers of people or organisations);
• listening to the voices of stakeholders and research that includes the experiences of all older people, carers and the public.

Experts by experience including patients, carers, the public, professionals and other stakeholders are an important and integral part of our team. They influence both the questions we pose and how we conduct our research.

We occasionally advertise opportunities on our website for project-specific experts by experience to get involved with our research. If you want to get involved please check back on this website or contact pru-manager@manchester.ac.uk.