My interest in research with older people began in 2003 with my postgraduate study on falls prevention. A main theme of this work has been on health promotion among older people and in particular investigating how we can best encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles. This entails the use of both the psychology of health and psychology of ageing.
I take a practical and applied approach, and bring this to my teaching with students so that they apply their knowledge to everyday life. In terms of research, this entails applying theory to everyday issues.
More recently, I have focused on the health and social care needs of people with dementia and their carers. I am and have been a core member of the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) since it was established in May 2012. I am also continuing my work in falls prevention and am co-founder and chair of the Dorset Alliance to Prevent falls and Promote independence.