Don't act your age, be your age.

It’s a well-known fact that a health issue later in life can be a critical decision point for Australians.

Understanding the small changes in physical, emotional and mental capacity that occur from the age of 40 and then taking steps to address those small changes provides an opportunity to maintain optimal health, regardless of age.

Healthy Ageing is a very important issue for Australia and the world.

Our population is ageing. Understanding the health needs and optimising opportunities for health and wellbeing as people age will increase the ability of the health system to provide care to the ageing population.

The inaugural Chair of Restorative Care in Ageing at Flinders University, Professor Sue Gordon says many people are unaware of the functional decline that happens without anything specifically going wrong, and that this is a shame, because it stops them from doing something about it.

‘Often these changes happen around transitional times such as when our children grow up and leave home,’ said Professor Gordon. ‘Maybe we stop getting the incidental family activity and start to lose muscle strength, which we don’t notice until that day we go to try to clean out the shed and end up with a really sore back.

‘For too many people, the response on those days is to dismiss it as a natural part of ageing, but that’s not always the case, because this kind of function can often be restored. People just need to know how.’

An innovative ‘Inspiring Health’ program lead by Flinders Strategic Professor Sue Gordon has been run in partnership with three Adelaide Councils (Marion, Holdfast Bay and Salisbury) to provide comprehensive health screenings. NAB, one of Australia’s largest banks, has also been involved. The program has provided information about the health needs of the community and the workforce.

Detailed, personalised health reports were sent to 578 participants aged 40 to 75, giving them a snapshot of their health status and the shape they’re in. It has also provided them with information about how they can improve their health and wellbeing.

She says the approach is expected to be effective because it is targeted, and will help individuals. Local councils, business and the University now have the opportunity to work with together towards a healthier future for everyone.

‘We want to create a sustainable model that can be widely applied, supported by apps and other aids, to keep people motivated and fully informed, while also getting a better idea of the ageing process through research,’ said Professor Gordon. ‘The work we’re doing is helping everyone from local councils, for whom community wellbeing is an increasing responsibility and priority, to GPs, to the people who care most – individual Australians – to enjoy their full potential for as long as possible.’