NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research (TCR) into Healthy Ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on 20 June 2018. Applications closed on 12 September 2018.

The aim of implementing the call was to provide funding for rigorous, culturally informed research into the health and experience of ageing in the older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

This TCR was initially identified as a major health priority through NHMRC’s Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus (PCIC). In addition to addressing health priorities in the NHMRC Corporate Plan 2017-2018, this TCR would help to address the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (2013-2023) and actions outlined in the Implementation Plan for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (2013-2023).

Research proposals submitted for this TCR could have included research into: 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander definitions and concepts of healthy ageing.
  • Evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and best practice health services and pathways to optimise ageing, including lifestyle factors; community development and life-course events such as maternity, upbringing and education.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s indicators for health and well-being in older age. Factors that impact on their ageing could include geography, language, culture, mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, health literacy, chronic disease, childhood adversity and trauma, removal and social exclusion, socio-economic status and attitudinal change in the lifespan (such as racism, ageism and sexism).

Expected outcomes from funded grants will be:

  • The generation of a body of evidence that will identify and improve public policy on the healthy ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Effective interventions to address health and ageing experience of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • An enhanced framework to prevent ill health, manage conditions and reduce consequences, with the aim of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities to live healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives.