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Graduate proves age is no barrier

10 December 2008

Dr Sonia Allen

According to Dr Sonia Allen, it's never too late to learn – and never too late to earn your PhD.

At the age of 64, the Gippsland campus student has graduated with a PhD from the School of Nursing and Midwifery after completing her research into palliative care within residential aged care facilities.

Lifelong learning has been a focus throughout Dr Allen's career, following her registration as a Division 1 Nurse in 1965. Since that time she has gained a number of qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The motivation to enrol in her PhD came from her desire to improve the care of the aged in the final stages of life.

Dr Allen hopes her research will inform policy makers and practitioners working in the field of gerontology - the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging.

Dr Allen said her PhD taught her just as much about herself as it did about research.

"Research can be an isolating experience but I was lucky to have great support from my supervisors and colleagues," Dr Allen said.

"One of the main challenges I faced as a mature-aged research student was managing new technology.

"I had a continual fear about losing my research work and without advanced computer skills it took time to build up confidence with the technology and techniques."

Dr Allen's PhD research has already been adopted by one organisation leading to the implementation of new practices in palliative care and improved outcomes for aged care residents and their families.