Healthy Ageing Research Group

The Healthy Ageing Research Group (HARG) at The University of Manchester is a multidisciplinary group conducting research that aims to promote healthy and active ageing.

Our work covers the range of ages considered for older people (from younger older people 55+ to the oldest old).

In our research, we use quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods and evidence synthesis review techniques. Our emphasis is on healthy and active ageing to promote active participation in society.

We ensure our work has direct relevance to policy and practice for older adults at a local, national and international level. We engage with and involve the public, patients and other stakeholders in our research activities, and develop research capacity in this crucial topic.

Areas of expertise

Our areas of expertise include:

• falls and falls prevention
• physical activity and exercise promotion (strength and balance)
• nutrition and diet
• rehabilitation and musculoskeletal conditions
• development and evaluation of novel m-health and e-health technologies
• social gerontology
• clinical decision-making support tools
• health behaviour change and health literacy
• mixed-methods research methodology
• critical appraisal and evidence synthesis
• user involvement in the design of technologies and services to support healthy ageing.

More information about our research can be found on the research themes page.

Our research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Economic and Social Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and Innovate UK, as well as public and charitable sectors.

Our affiliations

Colleagues within the HARG are also involved with the following:

• NIHR Policy Research Unit for Older People and Frailty
• NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (Healthy Ageing work programme)

We are also closely linked to the University-based Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing.

For more information on specific outputs relating to COVID-19, visit the University's coronavirus response webpages.