It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are old that matters

HEARING the voices of older Australians has never been more important than in 2025. To create a space for discussion and challenge some preconceptions, aged care provider Uniting AgeWell has launched a new podcast called The Ageing Ideal. Hosted by author and broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, The Ageing Ideal offers valuable information and insights about ageing and aged care, whether you’re navigating services for yourself or a loved one or just thinking about the future. The stories and discussions explore issues, offer sage advice from older people and industry experts and hopefully challenge the way people think about ageing. Not just for seniors, the podcast is for anyone who wants to know more about how we can live and age well, challenge traditional perceptions of ageing and aged care and help shape the future of aged care in Australia. Accessing help at home to maintain independence, safety and wellbeing can be different if you live in the city with an abundance of services, compared to living in the country when your home is on hundreds of acres or kilometres from townships. The question of how to age well, no matter where you live, depends on the individual, your health and your circumstances. The first episode of The Ageing Ideal called Growing Older My Way suggests we all have ways we choose to get the most out of life. How do we maintain a positive mindset when circumstances, state of mind, and ill health can be limiting factors? Appearing on the first episode of The Ageing Ideal, octogenarian Loretta Simmons speaks candidly about what it means to her to age well. “Ageing well is to be very mindful, for a start, and that includes both mind and body," she says. "Keeping fit. "Good health is one of the areas in which we must focus and really look after ourselves.” Upcoming episodes explore the challenges of being a family carer, taking care of our mental health as we age, finding joy later in life and a frank look at the Aged Care Sector and what we can expect with the new Aged Care Reforms coming up in 2025. With an eclectic combination of curiosity, wit, personal experiences and expert knowledge, the podcast provides resources and feedback to help people maintain physical and mental wellbeing and navigate the complexities of aged care in Australia. The first episode of The Ageing Ideal is out now, with a new episode dropping each month. To listen, search and follow The Ageing Ideal on your favourite podcast app or find out more at unitingagewell.org/podcast.