PhD Research Program: Healthy Ageing: understanding and avoiding pre-frailty

This doctoral research program sought to understand and prevent pre-frailty in adults aged 40 to 65. The thesis comprises four studies:
(1) a systematic review of interventions to prevent or reverse pre-frailty in midlife;
(2) a cross-sectional study of behavioural and psychological correlates of pre-frailty;
(3) a longitudinal study predicting frailty progression; and
(4) a co-design study identifying sustainable, acceptable features of preventative exercise interventions.
Together, these studies offer a multidimensional understanding of early-stage frailty and pathways for intervention prior to older age.

This research looks at how people in their 40s to 60s can avoid becoming frail later in life. By studying behaviour, psychology, and health habits, the research aims to help people stay strong and independent as they age. It also worked directly with middle-aged adults and health professionals to design ways to support healthy ageing before problems begin.