Aging

“The real test with the Budget is whether the dollars announced reach rural people, First Nations communities and primary care in thin markets where healthcare access is hardest”" Susi Tegen, NRHA Chief Executive.

Central Coast renters aged 55-69 are facing a bleak future, according to a recent survey conducted by not-for-profit housing provider Home in Place ... The findings highlight how exposed people are when they reach retirement age without owning a home in a system that assumes they will.

The May Budget delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers has elicited criticism, and some praise, from many quarters, as illustrated by the following statements from the National Party, Beyond Zero Emissions, National Farmers' Federation and the NFF Horticulture Council, National Seniors Australia, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, TasFarmers, Grain Producers Australia and NSW Farmers.

More than 500,000 Australian children were placed into institutional or out-of-home care during the last century, with many experiencing neglect, abuse and a loss of identity that continues to shape their lives today. Often referred to as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers, this cohort includes Stolen Generations, former child migrants, and former Wards of the State, including more than 400,000 non-Indigenous children.

Anyone who’s ventured into the world of online dating is sure to have countless stories of mismatches, mishaps, misconceptions and misunderstandings ... Dawn LaPuma was just one of those ‘over 60s’ living beyond the city lights who dipped her toe in the waters of online dating and it didn't take long for her to start keeping a journal of the various characters she encountered...

National Seniors Australia’s campaign to Keep Cash is working and cash is making a comeback as demonstrated by the RBA’s 2025 Consumer Payments Survey that shows cash usage is on the rise. The survey reveals cash usage has increased by number of transactions (15 per cent in 2025 compared to 13 per cent in 2022) and by the total value of transactions.

"Moderation in everything," Mary Cartwright says is the key to living 100 years, a milestone she will reach on May 28. "I've never driven a car so walk everywhere and keep my mind active – knitting, crocheting and reading," she says.

It is rare for someone under the age of 12 to get shingles while people over the age of 50 are most at risk, according to the WA Department of Health. The department said shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox and is a common health condition in older people.

Merilyn Vale. Central Coast Councillor Doug Eaton wants the Australian Government to introduce a system to incentivise retirees to rent out vacant rooms in their family home to alleviate the existing rental crisis.

West Wimmera Health Service is proud to announce the completion of a major redevelopment project at Iona Gardens, bringing new life, colour, and purpose to the facility's outdoor spaces. What was once a plain and impractical environment has been reimagined into a welcoming, accessible, and engaging area designed to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for all residents.

You betcha! Joan Boardman Sinclair recently celebrated her 90th birthday milestone by saddling up and heading bush with packhorse in tow. The acknowledged 'Queen of the High Country', riding in her father's stock saddle, still believes the world is a much better place from the back of a horse.

Balranald Shire Mayor Louie Zaffina is actively balancing regional advocacy with local infrastructure progress. The Mayor recently toured the regional meeting circuit to tackle challenging policy issues while simultaneously overseeing significant developments across the Shire. ... The Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel received a new wheelchair-enabled van ....

Ken holds the current titles of Australia’s oldest living person and the oldest man ever, as verified by the global authority on supercentenarians, LongeviQuest. He’s lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, five global pandemics, the arrival of television, the internet, and even AI—and now Kenneth (Ken) Weeks is set to celebrate his 112th birthday on Sunday, 5 October 2025.

"I will be writing personally to the Federal Health Minister." That was the promise made by Member for Farrer and leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley when she visited Haydays last week. Ms Ley toured the aged care facility with chair Lisa Bowen and staff members Martyn Quinn and Julie Weymouth, to see for herself the upgrades needed for Haydays to retain its accreditation.

Haydays retirement hostel is facing an imminent crisis, due to the building’s ageing infrastructure. The centre, which first opened in 1968, is just two or three years away from closing, unless vital refurbishments can be undertaken, to ensure the facility is compliant with all Aged Care Commission regulations, according to the Haydays Management Board.

Following the success of an introductory Rock Up to Pickleball session at St Arnaud, the latest sporting craze is set to continue. Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hubs team will host ongoing pickleball sessions at St Arnaud Sports Stadium on Wednesdays at 10 a.m..

Colin Newport. Warwick Street, Allora, has played a big part in the life of Rae Masters, who celebrated her 100th birthday at ‘The Homestead’ last Thursday 31st July. Averil Rae Masters was born in Miegunyah Private Hospital (now the home of Margaret Rackley at 33 Warwick Street) on the 31st July 1925, the daughter of Les and Doris Masters (nee Holmes).

People living with age-related illnesses are falling through the cracks of a system designed to support the elderly ... Carer’s exhaustion and burn out, jeopardized safety, greater pressure on hospital emergency services, family conflict, incidents and accidents, delayed medical intervention have all reached breaking point for sufferers and carers thanks to a backlog of unprocessed applications.

Nhill's Mervyn Schneider – fondly known as Merv – marked an extraordinary milestone last week, celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. A celebration was held at the Nhill Bowling Club on Saturday, with more than 150 people in attendance.

Michelle Daw. An 84-year-old Sydneysider has taken on the Walk the Yorke trail unassisted and completed all 500 kilometres in just 29 days, including seven rest days. Don Andrews started in Port Wakefield on June 4 and walked along the eastern and western coasts of Yorke Peninsula via all 10 stages of the trail to arrive in Moonta Bay on July 2.

Keeping busy and avoiding alcohol might be among the keys to a St Arnaud man’s longevity. Kevin Allen turned 100 on Thursday, June 19, celebrating with a few cups of his favourite black tea ... Mr Allen now enjoys being outside in his garden, which is immaculate, and still cuts his own firewood.