Developing a disability policy model to target the prevention or reduction of limitations on functioning and wellbeing

The project's aim is to develop a disability policy model-a statistical model to examine the effect of lifestyle and behaviour on subsequent onset of disability. Current preventive medicine targets death or disease onset but with the ageing of Australian society and the increase in life expectancy the challenge for public health and preventive medicine is shifting to supporting healthy and productive ageing. Disability disproportionately impacts on older people, with disability affecting 40% of those aged between 65 and 69 rising to 88% of those aged 90 and over. The disability policy model will facilitate the cost-effective targeting of interventions aimed at reducing or preventing onset of disability or reducing its severity.