Gerontological Quality of Life Research (GQOL)
Group Leader: Dr. Sandra Oppikofer
Group Members: Andreas Huber, Désirée Diem, Denise Küttel, Franziska Schachtler, Heather Edwards, Karin Wilkening, Erica Benz, Rita Müller, Erich Kohler
The main focus of this interdisciplinary research group is on the initiation, implementation and evaluation of innovative projects on the quality of life of older people with dementia and their carers. The aim is to establish a national, longitudinal evidence base for individualised interventions. The group designs complex intervention environments such as museums, art, music, care and exercise. A variety of methods and data sources are used, including qualitative and quantitative surveys as well as outpatient assessments in everyday life. The research is participatory, with the active involvement of the target groups. The group facilitates implementation in practice, supports young researchers in building their careers and cooperates with political decision-makers. In this way, it contributes to the sustainable development of innovative approaches to healthy ageing and to strengthening the link between science, practice and politics.
Projects
Evaluation “Artists in Residence in Alterszentren”
Evaluation “Tiergestützte Ergotherapie”
Selected Publications
Edwards, H., Oppikofer, S. & Aschwanden, D. (2024). The use of audio-biographical cues in dementia care: a four-year evaluation in Swiss hospitals, care, and domestic homes. Frontiers in Dementia, 3. 2024. doi: doi.org/10.3389/frdem.2024.1429290
Huber, A., Oppikofer, S., Meister, L., Langensteiner, F., Meier, N., & A. Seifert (2020). Music & Memory: The Impact of individualised Music Listening on Depression, Agitation and positive Emotions in Persons with Dementia - A controlled Intervention Study. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 45(1):70-84. doi: 10.1080/01924788.2020.1722348
Oppikofer, S., Kündig, Y., & Loizeau, A. (2016). Aufgeweckte Kunst-Geschichten – Menschen mit Demenz auf Entdeckungsreise im Museum. Ein Interventionsprojekt des Zentrums für Gerontologie der Universität Zürich. In: A. Fricke & T. Hartogh (Hrsg.), Forschungsfeld Kulturgeragogik – Research in Cultural Geragogy (S. 447-463). München: Kopaed.
Loizeau, A., Kündig, Y. & Oppikofer, S. (2016). ‘Awakened Art Stories’ – Rediscovering pictures by persons living with dementia utilising TimeSlips: A pilot study. Geriatric Mental Health Care, 3(2), 13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.gmhc.2015.10.001
Oppikofer, S. & Geschwindner, H. (2014). Nursing interventions in cases of agitation and dementia. Dementia, 13(3):306-17. doi: 10.1177/1471301212461110