Health & Wellbeing
Find practical information on a range of health and wellbeing topics specifically for older Australians.
The ABCs of dehydration
Staying hydrated is more important for health, wellbeing and enjoyment of life than many people realise. Dietitian Ngaire Hobbins explains why.
Ageism in health advice
I am often frustrated by the ageism I witness in health messaging. This failure can end up causing unnecessary harm. Ngaire Hobbins, dietician and aged-care consultant
Ageing well with diabetes
If you have diabetes, actively managing your health needs can boost your chances of living the independent, enjoyable life you want.
Biting into life: oral health and your wellbeing
Having a healthy smile is not just for the cameras—oral health is important.
COVID-19 boosters
The Australian Government has updated its advice about COVID-19 booster doses for Australians aged over 60.
Eating well in your 60s, 70s and beyond
From your mid 60s, eating for health and wellbeing needs a different approach.
Good brain food
Can anything reduce our chances of developing dementia in older age? What we eat and how we live could make all the difference.
Guarding yourself against oral cancer: know your risk
Oral cancer is more common in older Australians, and early detection often leads to better outcomes.
Happy feet: keeping your feet comfortable and healthy in later life
Our feet, often overlooked in our younger years, bear the brunt of a lifetime of activity. But it’s never too late to start taking care of them.
Hearing loss and elder abuse
Neglect is a form of elder abuse that can be unintentional, and hearing loss in older people can leave them vulnerable. What can we do to prevent it? 6 min read
How to protect yourself from skin cancer
It's never too late to start protecting your skin from skin cancer. Here we talk about some ways to prevent it and what to do if you see something suspicious.
Saliva: more important than you think!
As silent indicators of health and wellbeing, dry mouth and other saliva changes are surprisingly significant. Find out why – and how – you should pay attention to this condition.
Strength in age: how exercise boosts independence for older Australians
Strength training is important for a healthier, more independent life as we age – and it’s easier to do than you might think.
The 4 pillars of frailty: defence against dementia?
New research from the University of Queensland finds that staying strong and preventing frailty could influence your risk of developing dementia.
The food they (don’t) eat: elder abuse by neglect?
Adequate and appropriate nutrition is no less important in old age than at any other time of life.
The appetite deception: why some older people eat less than they need
The nutritional needs of older people are quite particular, and if those needs aren’t met it can affect not only the person’s health, but also their independence and quality of life.
The turning point: should you stop driving?
The question of surrendering our drivers licence touches on autonomy, capability and readiness. But the key consideration is safety: ours and others on the roads.
Trauma, recovery and older people
The effects of trauma are more widely acknowledged now than in the past. How do older people experience trauma, and how can they recover?
Vicarious trauma and working with older people
Physical or psychological distress from other people’s traumatic experiences is called ‘vicarious trauma’. For care service workers supporting older people, the risk is very real
Health & Wellbeing Resources
Stay Farming Longer and Safer: A practical guide for older farmers and their families
This free handbook is available to all Victorian farmers, and offers practical safety tips, information and advice that...
How to be a trans ally, and why it’s so important for older trans Australians
There is an absolute fear for many older trans people of entering residential aged care.
Life goes on: stories of survival, support, hopes and fears by Megan Maurice
A book review by Eamonn Murphy
Grief and loss counselling
Relationships Australia Tasmania has qualified and experienced grief and loss counsellors to help you on your journey t...
Accessing Information and Support
This study explored the experiences of older adults who seek information about services and support.
Disability Support and Inclusion for Older Victorians: Towards an Agenda for Action
This paper has been prepared to support the development of an Agenda for Action for older Victorians with a disability.
Health & Wellbeing Real Stories
Find a Service Provider
In an emergency call 000
This free number will redirect you to an existing phone service near you. This is not a 24-hour line. Call operating times will vary. A collaboration between the Australian, state and territory governments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to our eNewsletter to receive updates on content, resources, news and events from Compass – guiding action on elder abuse.