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The FITTEST Study: Social Support and Engagement

The Fittest study stands as a collaborative effort within the Australian Frailty Network (AFN), supported by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission (APP2016045). Professor Ruth Hubbard, Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine at the Centre for Health Services Research at the University of Queensland, is the Principal Investigator for this study. Within the study, Professor Loretta Baldassar, Social Ageing (SAGE) Future Lab, leads the investigation into the crucial Social Support and Engagement aspect of the study, while Dr Manonita Ghosh takes on the role of Project Manager for this component.

Frailty poses a significant challenge to healthy ageing in Australia. While old age can bring contentment and wisdom, over 20% of Australians experience frail as they age, facing declines in various domains, such as physical function, cognition, nutrition and social status. Older people with mild frailty are at increased risk of severe frailty and loss of independence.

The fittest study is a randomised control trial, aims to address frailty in mildly frail older adults across Australia. Recognising frailty’s multifaced nature, the study employs a multicomponent intervention encompassing physical exercise, nutrition, medication management and crucially social support and engagement. Social support and engagement aspect of the fittest intervention focuses on enhancing participants’ social network, enhancing connectedness and promoting social engagement to mitigate social frailty and overall frailty. For more information visit the Australian Frailty Network website.

Funding agency

MRFF 2021 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission (APP2016045)

Project duration

January 2021 – December 2026

Researchers

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