Positive ageing

About positive ageing

As you age, your focus may shift from work and raising a family to planning for retirement and long-term financial security. But it is just as important to plan for your health, aged care and connection to community. This is known as positive ageing, which can help you stay healthy and independent for longer.

Planning for healthy ageing

Looking after your body and mind can prevent many diseases and help keep you healthy and happy as you age. This involves:

• physical activity and exercise
• food and nutrition
• mental health
• preventative health.

For information on planning for health as you age, see:

• LiveUp website
• Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians
• Physical activity and exercise guidelines for Australians 65 years and over
• Choose Health, Be Active booklet
• Australian guide to healthy eating.

Planning for aged care

Many older people want to stay at home as long as possible and maintain their independence. By planning early, you can increase the choice and control you have over when and how you engage with the aged care system.

For information on aged care in Australia, see: Aged care

Maintaining your connection to community

Staying connected, spending time with friends and family and participating in social activities can have a significant impact on all areas of your health and happiness as you age. Benefits include boosting your memory, physical and mental health, preventing common health conditions, and reducing isolation and loneliness.

For information on positive ageing through connection to community, see the Social activities page on the LiveUp website.

What we're doing about positive ageing

We want to make sure every person in Australia can live well, stay healthy and maintain their connection to community as they age.

This is done by:

• supporting older people to view ageing positively
• improving the overall health and wellbeing for Australians aged 65 years and over
• providing resources for older people to understand and explore:
  • how ageing needs change over time
  • what ageing services and supports are available to help them remain active and engaged
• ensuring older people in Australia can access aged care that meets their specific needs, where and when they need it
• sponsoring the Senior Australian of the Year category of the Australian of the Year Awards
• funding LiveUp, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping people stay independent through healthy ageing.

Senior Australian of the Year alumni

Senior Australian of the Year alumni

Read these inspiring stories from past and present winners.