Thriving, connecting and ageing… Let’s talk about it!
As we age, various life changes and challenges—such as physical health issues, social isolation, and loss—can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
The Eastern Suburbs Older Persons Mental Health Service hosts annual positive ageing forums to give older people across the district access to the latest research on ageing and mental health, helping older people stay informed and connected to resources that promote wellbeing.
Around 500 seniors filled the auditorium at The Juniors in Kingsford on 23 October for this year’s forum with the theme “Thriving, connecting and ageing… Let’s talk about it!”.
The half day forum focused on issues relevant to older people, their families, carers, health and aged care providers, and aimed to:
- promote physical and mental wellness within the older community
- raise awareness of the risk factors in later life that can contribute to psychological distress, cognitive decline and dementia
- share accessible evidence-based strategies to improve quality of life
- dispel myths and stigma related to ageing, mental illness and memory loss
- provide an opportunity for seniors to connect with local community organisations.
Professor Henry Brodaty AO, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) said he hoped the event would inspire the local community.
“There are plenty of steps we can all take to live more joyfully as we age. Our collective hope is to share evidence-based knowledge with our local community and inspire our fellow older Australians to thrive as part of ageing.”
The event was hosted in conjunction with The Juniors and CHeBA, UNSW Sydney, and sponsored by the South Eastern Local Health District, Randwick City Council and Waverly Small Grant.
