Newcastle University

We worked with older people, carers and health and social care professional to collect their unanswered research questions.  We are pleased to announce that the process is now complete and here are the Top 10 unanswered research priorities for multiple conditions in later life. We are contributing to this initiative along with other partners, such as Age UK and NIHR.

1. How can current health, social care and voluntary sectors in the UK be optimised to more effectively meet the needs of older people living with multiple conditions?
2. What are the most effective, cost effective and acceptable ways to reduce social isolation in older people with multiple conditions?
3. What are the most effective, cost effective and acceptable strategies for the prevention of multiple conditions in later life?
4. In what ways can carers of older people with multiple conditions be supported to maintain their own physical and psychological wellbeing?
5. What is the most effective, cost effective and acceptable form of exercise therapy in different health and social care settings with older people with multiple conditions? How does exercise therapy affect outcomes in this population?
6. How can the recognition and management of frailty be improved in older people with multiple conditions? Would this lead to an increase in perceived quality of life?
7. How can Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment be optimally delivered in different patient populations experiencing multiple conditions in older age?
8. What are the most effective, cost effective and acceptable interventions to improve the psychological wellbeing of older people with multiple conditions?
9. How can independent living be most effectively and acceptably enabled in older people with multiple conditions in the UK?
10. How do older people with multiple conditions perceive and manage their risk of falls? How can fear of falling be effectively addressed?