Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies

Vision

Promoting well-being in later life through research, education, ethics and spirituality.

Mission

The Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies (CAPS), is a not for profit centre for multi-disciplinary research, education and policy development in pastoral studies, ageing and related ethical issues, CAPS seeks to:

	Affirm the integrity and dignity of human beings across the life span
	Explore the spiritual dimension of ageing and meaning of life issues in the context of an ageing society
	Examine ethical issues related to ageing
	Assist people to learn to live in an ageing society
	Assist people to learn to live in an ageing society
	Reduce barriers that may exist between the different age groups of society
	Develop policies related to ageing
	Disseminate the findings of its research to all with a professional interest in them and to older people

CAPS seeks opportunities to work with the aged care industry, government and other agencies to achieve these ends.

Core Values

	Dignity of life across the entire lifespan
	Advocacy for the weak and vulnerable
	Justice for older people
	The spiritual dimension as vital in the care of ageing people
	A multifaith, multicultural and ecumenical approach
	Applied multi-disciplinary research and education as a vehicle for change
	Enrichment of quality of life for ageing people

The Changing Australian Context

Contemporary medical, economic, sociological and theological insights all affirm that an ageing society presents new challenges for both society and the church. Larger proportions of older people in the population in many western countries, including Australia, have the potential to increase the dependency ratio within society. Further, there is concern from some quarters that the growing numbers of elderly people and the higher use of bed days by older people will result in a crisis in health funding. These fears have been addressed in the recently released Australian Government Report by the Productivity Commission: Economic Implications of an Ageing Australia. While this report focuses on economic implications of the ageing society, it also acknowledges: ‘In itself, population ageing should not be seen as a problem, as it reflects the beneficial effects of improved life expectancy and voluntary control over fertility.’ There is much more to an ageing society than economic implications.

With the advances made in longevity over recent decades many more people are living longer and healthier lives. However, the increases in longevity have not provided reasons for living and there is a rising suicide level among older men (Raymond 2002) that may well be associated with loss of meaning in later life.

Healthy older people have much to give both in terms of time and gifts. Yet, myths of ageing remain, that may prevent older people maximising their well-being and health and thriving in later life. Older people may be unaware of the possibilities that exist in their current roles and new roles that may be available to them. Ageism still exists among some health care providers and in the wider community.

There is a need to learn more about the ageing human being, and how we may maximize well-being in ageing. In an age that has promoted science and technology many of the spiritual strategies for living well have been lost. As well as quality care, older people need strategies for continued spiritual growth and enrichment.

Implications of an ageing society for all Australians

It is necessary to consider the effects of an ageing society in relation to the whole of society and the following implications can be drawn.

The need for:

	Finding meaning in later life, particularly after retirement
	Valuing and affirming older people
	Overcoming ageism
	Recognising the multicultural and multifaith composition of the ageing society and providing for their needs
	Recognising that health in later life needs a wholistic approach to address issues of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
	Recognising and alleviating social and spiritual isolation in the community.

Added years of life mean little if there is no meaning in those years. The current ageing society has a higher proportion of older people from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds; these people will have particular cultural, spiritual and religious needs.  From a faith based standpoint, it is asked what are the implications of an ageing society?

Implications for Religious Faith

Discerning meaning for later life is an important task in the experience of all humans. Strategies are needed for implementing insights gained from discernment, both by the individual and by the culture. This is a spiritual activity. This involves discernment of meaning and developing strategies for effective ageing. For many, this comes to expression through a religious faith and practice as the means of developing personal or shared strategies for well-being in later life. The different religious traditions offer complementary and unique ways of nurturing spiritual growth in ageing. CAPS emerges out of the Christian tradition and recognizes the importance of this diversity. As a result CAPS is concerned with the study of this spiritual activity and the working out of its consequences for the person and society.

The role of CAPS in this context

CAPS seeks to make an active contribution to Australian society as the ageing population increases. People look for meaning in the process of ageing and new moral issues are raised, while frail older people are in need of advocacy in the public forum.

Research is required to address these issues and adequate numbers of people academically prepared to work within this arena of life with elderly people.

Key Strategic Directions

	Provide a significant resource to the aged care industry with regard to holistic care.
	Examine ethical issues of significance within ageing in Australia.
	Advocate on behalf of older people in appropriate forums.
	Increase the capacity of CAPS to meet increased demands and address future issues of ageing and aged care.
	Conduct research in areas of the CAPS mission.
	Teaching of courses in ageing, spirituality and pastoral care in aged care in tertiary and professional settings.

Measures of Success

	CAPS has a significant impact on the formulation of government policy with respect issues relating to ageing.
	Issues relating to quality of life, spirituality, ethics and ageing are elevated onto the public agenda.
	The media approaches CAPS for comment when these issues are debated in the public arena.
	The importance of caring for the whole person becomes recognised more widely within the aged care industry, CAPS seminars and conferences attendances increase.
	The quality of life offered to ageing people, and to those with dementia and their carers in Australian society is enhanced.
	The work of CAPS is recognised both nationally and internationally through use of our resources and publications, and invitations to consult and speak from the wider community. Sales of publications increase and invitations to consult and speak increase.
	The development and conduct of courses in ageing and spirituality, both accredited post graduate and non-accredited short courses. Student enrolments increase, students are satisfied with courses
	Attraction of funding for research
	Attraction of industry and corporate funding for CAPS continued operation
	CAPS membership increases