Background

In the UK over 80% of deaths & some 75% of cancer deaths occur in people aged over 65 years. We still know very little about the end of life priorities of older adults and their family members and the impact of many end of life care interventions. A comprehensive research programme is urgently needed.

Aim of Research Activity

To develop high quality programmes of research that not only describe need but also develop and test effective solutions using optimal study designs. The following preliminary areas of work have been identified:

• Older adults’ priorities in end of life care;
• End of life care decision making;
• Preferences for place of care;
• Involvement of older adults in the design of palliative care interventions

The development of these research programmes over the next 5 years will be supported by a range of research and development events for academics, clinicians and older people. These include:

• Proposal generation events, three times each year;
• State of the science meetings (See ESRC seminar series under 'Events');
• Mentorship for researchers, clinicians and older people;
• Establishment of a network of interested people

Through these events we aim to establish closer links between people concerned with the needs of older people and develop dialogue around the many important issues present when considering supportive and palliative care for older adults.

Planning Group Members

Julia Addington-Hall (Southampton)
Chris Bailey (Southampton)
Katherine Froggatt (Lancaster) - Co-lead
Gunn Grande (Manchester)
Barbara Hanratty (Liverpool)
Sheila Payne (Lancaster)
Jane Seymour (Nottingham) - Co-lead