This research will aid long-term planning and innovation by both government and business by improving population forecasts, including fertility and mortality, and assessing the overall social and economic impact of demographic change.

Program leader: Scientia Professor Alan Woodland, School of Economics, Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales.

Decision making by individuals, households and firms

Ageing involves changes in competency that may affect relationships, communication and decision making, including the ability to drive, determine the best retirement plan, aged care or health insurance policy. Our research will combine the expertise of economists, sociologists and psychologists to investigate these issues.

Program leader: Professor Michael Keane, School of Economics, Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales.

Integrating public and private provision of products and services

Sharing the burden of retirement provision, health insurance and aged care between the public and private sectors will become increasingly important as the population ages. Our research will explore how policy can be designed to better encourage coordination between business and government to develop innovative age-related products and services.

Program leader: Professor Michael Sherris, School of Risk and Actuarial, Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales.

Ageing well and productively

A whole-of life approach to ageing naturally suggests that healthier lifestyles will lead to more productive ageing, whether in the formal labour market or in the family context. The core research question here is how public education and policy initiatives can support behaviour change to support ageing well and productively.

Program leader: Professor Hal Kendig, Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Sydney.