Independent Living and Social Participation Related to Ageing in Australia: The Research Context ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well Independent Living and Social Participation Theme - Scoping Paper

The need for strategic, high quality research to inform policy and practice relating to older people and the ageing population has been widely documented. Within Australia, the ARC/NHMRC Research Network on Ageing Well has developed four themes of ageing research to help focus the organisation, collaboration and optimal application of current research expertise and efforts. The themes are: Productivity and Economic Security, Independent Living and Social Participation, Healthy Ageing, and Population Research Strategies. This scoping paper examines the context and background for the Independent Living and Social Participation theme. Key definitions and broad research questions are described and relevant theoretical considerations, international and Australian policy contexts and research agendas are examined. Key areas requiring further research are identified.