Minister Hoctor Launches CARDI (Centre For Ageing Research In Ireland) And Their Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 04 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Máire Hoctor T.D. Minister for Older People launched CARDI, (The Centre for Ageing Research in Ireland) and their Strategic Plan 2008-2011. Today's launch in Farmleigh House is a follow on from the parallel launch of CARDI in Stormont on 3 March 2008.

CARDI is a not for profit organisation, developed by leaders in the field of research into ageing, which was established to ensure that research plays its role in planning for an ageing population in this country. The work done by CARDI is supported by Atlantic Philanthropies and overseen by a Steering Group. The Institute of Public Health hosts this work.

CARDI aims to provide a mechanism for greater collaboration among researchers on ageing. It also has the objective of promoting the wider dissemination of age-related research. A third aim of CARDI is to advance a research agenda which is relevant to policy and practice, through establishing a wider research community. This is in line with international developments in countries such as Canada and Australia.

The Strategic Plan for CARDI sets out the overall direction for the organisation during the period 2008 to 2011. This will focus on four themes, namely;

- Identifying and establishing ageing research priorities for policy and practice in Ireland, North and South. This will be done in a way which complements the internationally recognised "Research Agenda on Ageing in the Twenty First Century and the existing policy framework".

- Promoting greater collaboration and co-operation in ageing research, in order to build an ageing research community in Ireland. CARDI will support cross-sectoral partnership methods of working which focus on maximising skills and knowledge.

- Stimulating research in priority areas which can inform policy and practice in relation to ageing and older people in Ireland.

- Communicating strategic research issues on ageing to raise the profile of the ageing research agenda in Ireland, North and South, and its role in informing policy and practice.

Minister Hoctor welcomed this important new initiative and said "I am delighted to see the breadth of work in which CARDI is involved. It is inevitable that such research will make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for many older people, and I wish CARDI well in all of their endeavours."

Department of Health and Children