May 25th 2010

What is a quality life? Can happiness be measured? As all of us strive for satisfying and meaningful lives in an uncertain and stressful world, how many of us finally achieve peace of mind and enjoy the fruits of our labour?

This public lecture explores the findings of remarkable studies conducted here and in the UK into the quality of life of people at different ages. Using revolutionary techniques for modeling ‘choice behavior’, the studies reveal some worrying trends, yet at the same time, could provide the very insights needed by governments and NGOs to deliver education, services and care that will help ensure we all have a brighter future.

Dr Terry Flynn

Terry Flynn heads the Social Policy and Economic Evaluation stream at UTS's Centre for the Study of Choice. His diverse research addresses major public policy issues such as quality of life - nationally and internationally, what Sydney residents are willing to pay for public transportation systems and what value Australians derive from surface and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. His work in choice modelling has been recognised by top UK funding bodies and he collaborates on major British studies to value social and health related quality of life.

Resources

• flyer (PDF 172k)
• presentation slides (PDF 1 MB)
• audio recording (MP3 25 MB)
• video (Opens video presentation) A transcript is available.

UTSPEAKS: is a free public lecture series presented by UTS experts discussing a range of important issues confronting contemporary Australia