Postgraduate Researchers

Cathrina Murphy

PhD Researcher

Cathrina holds an MA in Social Policy from the Open University and obtained an MPhil from TU Dublin for her research titled “Transferring Knowledge and Life Experience Between Generations: The Potential of Community-Based Intergenerational Projects” She has worked across a wide range of sectors and, most recently, served as the Age Friendly Programme Manager in Fingal County Council, leading initiatives that support older people to live independently, safely, and actively within their communities.

She is currently undertaking PhD research titled “Exploring a Social Club Model of Day Care: How Day Care Can Be Developed in Ireland to Best Meet the Needs of Frail Older People.” Her work explores how day centres can evolve to better reflect the diverse interests, expectations, and lived experiences of older people today, particularly in the context of increasing longevity and the growing need for care and support as people age. With policy strongly oriented towards ageing in place, her research explores how day care can support older people to remain living at home while sustaining social connectedness, promoting wellbeing, and providing appropriate levels of care. It also considers how traditional models can adapt to meet the expectations of a new generation of older people who seek more meaningful, engaging, and person‑centred opportunities.