Why is power of attorney in Australia important? Who will make decisions for us if we become seriously ill or injured and can’t make them for ourselves? It’s not something any of us like to think about; however, it is an essential consideration—especially as we age. An enduring power of attorney is a legal document…
Have you noticed changes in the strength, weight or energy levels of a loved one? Are they experiencing increased fatigue or falls? If so, they may be experiencing frailty. Frailty is a medical condition that reduces the body’s ability to recover from stress. This makes people more susceptible to falls, minor illnesses and infections and…
We all know that Australia’s population is ageing. But is our hospital system ready? And is the NSW aged care system prepared? A special inquiry into the NSW healthcare system has found that it is not. The inquiry issued a stark warning to the state’s politicians. Serious problems will continue to develop if nothing is…
We all want to live as healthily as possible, for as long as possible. In Australia, the average life expectancy is 84 years. In Australia, the average life expectancy is 84 years. However, the average health span — the period of life spent in good health — is about ten years shorter. While our average…
It’s something none of us like to think about — but what if a medical emergency or condition meant you couldn’t communicate your healthcare wishes? That’s where advance care planning comes in. It allows you to communicate your healthcare preferences ahead of time, so they’re known if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. What…
With dementia in Australia an increasing issue, arly intervention is key. However, treatment options are limited. However, Australian researchers are looking to change that, with a new dementia treatment set to be trialled. Australia will trial a world-leading experimental dementia drug next month that may prevent the disease before symptoms appear. Local researchers will test whether…
The Federal Election has been run and won, with Labor increasing it’s majority in the House Of Representatives. This emphatic win gives the government a clear mandate to press ahead with some of the most significant reforms to the aged care sector in decades. So what does this mean for the aged care sector? Aged…
Unfortunately, death is an unavoidable fact of life. As we get older, we will all experience the loss of treasured family and friends. Grief can affect a person in many ways. It can have significant impacts on the physical and mental health of older adults. It can also cause seniors to become withdrawn, impacting the social…
More Australians are using medication to address a variety of health conditions. While medications can be life-saving, they also carry risks – especially for older Australians. A Sydney researcher aims to address this. Macquarie University’s Dr Nasir Wabe received a $4.4 million grant. The funding will go towards developing an artificial intelligence (AI) medication management…
Our aging population is putting increasing pressure on the hospital system in Australia. The number of older Australians presenting to emergency departments is steadily increasing. Between 2015-16 and 2019-20, the number of hospitalisations of people aged 75 to 84 increased by 3%. This was the largest increase among any age group. Older Australians account for…