Elissa Burton
Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University | Dementia and Ageing Domain Co-Lead
Professional Area: Sport Science
My research focuses on
- Assisting older adults to improve their function.
- Translating evidence based-research into practice.
- Reduce falls for older people living in the community
My research aims to
- Help older adults to live independently for as long as they choose.
I work closely with
- Injury Matters WA to support education on falls prevention.
- Swan Care Bentley
- Community and aged care organisations
- Carers WA
Elissa’s Story
I am a healthy ageing researcher specialising in translation of evidence-based research into practice. I love to listen to older adults, they have so much wisdom and knowledge to offer. I believe we need to tap into their expertise more, rather than thinking of ageing as a burden. My research focuses on the promotion of physical activity and exercise in older people and those living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. My research strives to help older adults, particularly Western Australians to live independently for as long as they choose. I have used my research findings to update the service delivery model of a community care organisation, implementing a more effective exercise program than previously used. I have been given opportunities to provide expert advice and support for educational resources and state and national health policies that support older people. I love having the opportunity to present my work to older people and in a small way, try to support them in living their best life. I also have been lucky to build great relationships with the older community here in WA and have them provide their feedback and perspective on much of the research I do. I currently work at Curtin University as a co-lead of the Dementia and Ageing Domain.