"Predict My Future: what the Dunedin Study says about your future" explores the broad range of research undertaken at the Dunedin Study.
The renowned Dunedin Study is the subject of a TVNZ documentary that will be released on 9 December.
Predict My Future: what the Dunedin Study says about your future explores the broad range of research undertaken at the Dunedin Study. In 2022, the Study celebrated 50 years of research and the documentary explores current topics including the Study’s focus on positive aging.
The University of Otago-based Study is Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest-running longitudinal study and considered to be the world’s most detailed study of human health and development.
The documentary is the work of film director and writer Ankita Singh and began with her curiosity regarding her mother’s and grandmother’s advancing ages. Ankita turned to the Dunedin Study to explore questions relating to how and why we age, if we can do it better, and whether or not we do it equally.
Ankita says putting herself in the story, and therefore in front of the camera, was a new and challenging experience. However, it was also one she was surprised to find enjoyable.
“I can only thank the Dunedin Study for putting their trust in me and being so open to the process,” Ankita says.
“I feel like it helped me get closer to my mum and grandma as well – which was unexpected, but a lovely side effect of including my story in the narrative.”
The documentary includes interviews with a wide range of current Dunedin Study researchers, and highlights the broad, multidisciplinary nature of the Study. Dunedin Study Director Research Professor Reremoana (Moana) Theodore says the research that is covered in the documentary ranges from the biological, cellular level through various organ systems, to the social determinants of health (e.g. poverty) and the impact of the environment (e.g. pollution).
Moana adds that one of the reasons why the documentary was a priority for the Dunedin Study, was because of its importance to the Study members.
“The Study members are the true heroes of the Dunedin Study. They often talk about the importance of the Study documentaries, books, newspaper articles, and other forms of science communication including our recent museum exhibition,” Moana says.
“Study members and their families get a huge amount of pride from seeing the world-leading findings being shared with a general audience. They want the findings to make a difference, not just to scientists or policy makers, but to other members of society, including other mums and dads, grandparents, teachers, and so on.”
Behind the scenes of the documentary
A quick-fire Q&A with filmmaker Ankita Singh
What were your main impressions of the Dunedin Study?
It definitely goes against the typical ‘cold and clinical’ image the public might have of science and scientists. What has stayed with me is one of the study researchers remarked the Dunedin Study is not just a study of human development – it’s a study of life. And each life is so unique and valuable. I am just amazed by the deep care, loyalty and empathy the researchers have for the Study members. I was also really impressed how the researchers are able to take complex ideas and communicate them succinctly – especially while they were being filmed at the same time.
Was there anything surprising you learned?
I found all the research fascinating to learn about particularly the importance of early childhood experiences. I was surprised by the mental health statistics – my generation is hyper aware of the mental health epidemic and climate change issues, so I was expecting them to be bad, but it was still sobering to see the cold hard data. And while there are some tough pills to swallow, I also feel much more empowered with the knowledge that we can improve outcomes for everyone the earlier we intervene and that we can make a change. When you look closer at the data and research, you realise our destiny is in our own hands – our collective hands.
Did the documentary change your outlook on aging in any way?
The most significant change in perspective for me was not just thinking about aging as something that happens to us later in life, but something which begins from birth. When Dr Will Edwards articulated the difference between age, aging and aged – that was the moment it clicked for me.
I was also moved learning about the deep systemic issues we have when it comes to how people age. I always knew poverty causes many issues, but the fact that it makes people age faster, on a genetic level, is not only terrifying but deeply dystopian. I hope with more awareness and the data, that we as a nation feel more galvanised to reduce these inequalities.
What has making Predict My Future meant to you?
At its core, my work is about building empathy and understanding between people. We may all be quite different, but at the end of the day we are all human. For me, being able to immerse myself in this story and the data has just reinforced this idea. Our humanity is what connects us. These three Cs – connection, compassion and community – the science shows us all are crucial to live a happy, healthy life.
What message would you like people to take away from the documentary?
Making the documentary has changed my whole outlook and approach to aging. Making this documentary, learning about the data and discoveries from the Dunedin Study, has empowered me to change my life. Whether you're a zennial or boomer, I think everyone will find something relatable and more importantly, actionable, in this documentary.
Predict My Future: what the Dunedin Study says about your future will screen on TVNZ One on 9 December at 7.30pm, and will be available online for streaming on TVNZ+.
– Kōrero by Guy Frederick, Sciences Communication Adviser