A new study to combat rates of depression in older Australians has received a $500,000 boost.
The Targeted Call for Research will establish a web-based platform for older people living in rural Australia to connect with one another.
Participants will be able to connect with each other one-on-one or in group discussions and will have access to one-on-one training and ongoing support while taking part.
Initial data will be collected through questionnaires, and the study will take follow up data from participants after three, six and twelve months.
The study is led by the University of Newcastle's Health Behaviour Research Collaborative and in conjunction with regional aged care provider integratedliving.
UoN researcher Allison Boyes says social connections "are important for maintaining mental health and wellbeing but we also know that peer relationships reduce in older age and that also people that live in rural areas are affected disproportionately by that."
"What we're trying to do is connect up older people across rural Australia through social media and in particular a dedicated online community for older people."
The study will run in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, however, will be extended if the community proves effective.
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Source: ENTWellbeing
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