Ageing and the Law

Australia's population is ageing and more people are living longer with complex, chronic illnesses, including dementia and other conditions that affect cognitive abilities.

The Law | Health | Justice Research Centre's work in this area investigates the legal needs and rights of older people, with a focus on health, justice and inclusion in society. We scrutinise the impacts of laws and practices on the autonomy, dignity and right to self-determination of older people and our research advances evidence-based law reforms to respond to problems in an ageing society.

Researchers 

Nola Ries

Recent Work

Evaluation of Online ‘Dementia-Capable’ Training for Legal Professionals 

This project led by Prof Nola Ries is a pilot evaluation of two online, dementia-focused training courses for legal practitioners: (1) Understanding Dementia: Facts & Foundations; and (2) Planning Ahead: Focus on Advance Care Planning. 

The project is significant in delivering and evaluating innovative online training for legal professionals. The findings will reveal new insights on professionals’ confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes. 

The research is supported with funding from the Australian Community of Practice on Research on Dementia (ACcORD), an NHMRC-funded initiative. 

Criminal Risk Behaviours and Dementia 

Led by Prof Nola Ries and Dr Fiona Kumfor (FRONTIER Dementia Research Clinic, University of Sydney), this project investigates the experiences of people with dementia—particularly younger onset dementia—whose behaviour changes may bring them into contact with police and the criminal justice system, an area with limited research in Australia. The study gathers insights from key stakeholders, including police, legal service providers, affected individuals, and their carers. Findings will provide valuable perspectives on dementia-related criminal risk behaviours and include recommendations for improving practices and policies. Supported by funding from the UTS Faculty of Law, this research seeks to enhance understanding and inform better responses within the justice system. 

Advance Planning for Research Participation: Consumer Views and Stakeholder Recommendations 

Led by Prof Nola Ries, this project explores advance planning for research, encouraging individuals aged 55+ to consider, discuss, and document preferences for participation in research during future periods of incapacity, potentially through an advance research directive. The study aims to gather views on a directive form and guidance booklet, developing stakeholder recommendations to support advance planning. Outcomes will include a directive template and implementation recommendations from consumer and stakeholder representatives in dementia, ageing, health research, policy, advocacy, and aged care services. The project is funded by a Strategic Research Grant from the Australian Association of Gerontology Research Trust.

Past Projects 

Redressing Violence, Abuse and Neglect of People Living with Dementia in Residential Aged Care  

This project, led by Dr Linda Steele, develops principles and a framework to guide law and policy on redress for violence, abuse, and neglect of people with dementia in aged care. It examines perspectives of those affected, including people with dementia, care partners, and advocates, considers international human rights on reparations, and analyses experiences from other Australian redress schemes. Funded by the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, with partners like Dementia Alliance International, the project aims to build an evidence base to inform policies that address violence and neglect in dementia care. For more information visit: dementiajustice.org.