Harbison Partners in National Research Project
The nationally funded project, led by Western Sydney University alongside aged care and industry partners across Australia including Motitech, Muve Tech, OneCare and Carrington Care, will investigate how personalised motivation strategies can improve engagement, participation and adherence to exercise and wellbeing programs within residential aged care settings.
The project forms part of a broader $99.8 million national investment supporting research partnerships aligned with Australia’s national priorities.
Importantly, the research builds on earlier collaborative work undertaken in 2023 between Harbison and the internationally recognised MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development at Western Sydney University.
Published in BMC Geriatrics in 2024, the earlier research found evidence that Harbison’s Motiview wellbeing program contributed to improvements across physical, psychological and social wellbeing, while also positively impacting staff and family experiences.
Harbison CEO David Cochran said the new ARC Linkage Project reflects the organisation’s commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation in ageing.
“At Harbison, we believe quality aged care extends far beyond clinical support alone,” Mr Cochran said.
“We know programs like Motiview can play an important role in supporting movement, motivation, connection and engagement for older people, and this research gives us an opportunity to contribute to a stronger evidence base for the future of aged care.”
“This project is particularly exciting because it builds on earlier research findings and brings together researchers, providers and industry partners from across Australia to help shape more personalised and evidence-based wellbeing approaches.”
The ARC Linkage Project aims to generate new knowledge about how individual motivators influence engagement and benefit within wellbeing programs, with expected outcomes including new resources, training and practical approaches to support aged care providers.
Harbison has been delivering the Motiview program since 2018, using immersive cycling technology to support physical activity, reminiscence, social connection and wellbeing for older people living in residential aged care and the broader community.
The program has since grown into a broader wellbeing initiative and has received international recognition through multiple Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards.
Mr Cochran acknowledged the contribution of Harbison staff and research partners involved in progressing the collaboration.
“This recognition reflects the innovative and evidence-driven work happening across Harbison every day,” he said.
“We are proud that a regional not-for-profit organisation from the Southern Highlands can contribute to important national and international conversations around ageing, wellbeing and quality of life.”