Research strategy
GERI’s research activities are guided by a foundational framework that is based on the Public Health Framework for Healthy Ageing proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO)1. Principally, it aims to foster functional ability of older adults at the individual level by improving and maintaining intrinsic capacity (combination of physical and mental capacities), and at the environmental level by enabling and supporting those with decline in capacity to do things that are important to them.
Research framework
To this end, GERI has designed our research to focus on two specific areas:
Preventing Functional Decline
Supporting the functional ability of older adults at the individual level by improving or maintaining intrinsic capacity (the combination of physical and mental capacities). Research topics encompass intrinsic capacity, frailty, physical and cognitive functioning, falls and community mobility.
Implementing Integrated Care
Optimising supportive environments by enabling those with decline in capacity to do things that are important to them. Research topics encompass care models for those with frailty, multimorbidity, complex needs, dementia and advanced life-limiting illness, incorporating caregiving support.
These two focus areas help address opportunities for healthy ageing in Singapore, and support the three aims of Age Well SG2: improve the physical living environment; encourage active ageing; and strengthen support for seniors with care needs in the community.
Knowledge Translation Framework
GERI believes in putting its research to practical use. Through our Knowledge Translation Framework, we share evidence-based research findings with knowledge users and stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals and organisations to enrich policies and practices that promote healthy ageing for our population in Singapore.
Knowledge Creation: Working with our collaborators, researchers engage stakeholders to identify issues and conduct evidence-based implementation research. Methodologies used include rapid reviews, Delphi method and mixed methods.
Dissemination: Through various channels, such as publications, presentations and research briefs, we share knowledge and related evidence-based interventions with healthcare practitioners, policymakers and researchers.
Exchange: Platforms for discourse are intentionally and thoughtfully created to engage our stakeholders on ways to improve effectiveness, sustain and scale up evidence-based approaches in practice. Through such exchange, new research opportunities may emerge.
Implementation: Research findings may span behaviours, practices, knowledge and attitudes. To help move evidence into practice, researchers identify and utilise suitable interventions from a range of strategies used in implementation research to enhance the understanding and adoption of a new idea or practice.
1 World Health Organization (WHO)’s World Report on Ageing and Health (2015): https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565042.
2 What is Age Well SG?: https://www.agewellsg.gov.sg/about/.