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Staying independent and remaining at home is an important goal for many older people. While tired stereotypes about ageing and older people have created a culture of dependence, most people want to continue to look after themselves, whilst living at home and engaging in their community.
LiveUp is a free online healthy ageing guide funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, designed to give older Australians a breadth of opportunities to maintain their independence through healthy ageing approaches.
Healthy Ageing, a term coined by the World Health Organisation, is an emerging concept aimed at helping people achieve this goal. It encompasses several health and lifestyle factors, most of which are within our control.
Scientific research shows that 75% of how well we age is determined by three factors. These are exercise, social connection, and assistive products. Making informed decisions about how and when you exercise, how often you spend time with others out in your community, and which products you use to help you with daily tasks can help you age well.
The LiveUp website is packed with the ideas, tools, and guidance to keep you doing the things you already know you love or try something a bit different.
Around half of the common barriers older people face when tackling daily activities can be addressed by finding and using assistive products. Many of while are available from well-known retailers, and reliable online stores. On the LiveUp website, older Australians can complete a quick quiz which will provide suggestions for low-cost assistive products and equipment to help with everyday living.
Once people enter their postcode, they will find locally relevant activities and networks based on their Local Government Area, focused on keeping them physically active and socially connected.
LiveUp also features regularly updated healthy ageing articles written by allied health professionals, designed to provide information and downloadable resources for various age-related issues such as preventing falls, and getting a better night’s sleep.
If you’re ready to throw out tired stereotypes about ageing, try new interests, or take up some old ones, LiveUp can help you get started. Take the quick quiz for personalised advice about assistive products and tailored suggestions for strength and exercise, and social and cognitive activities, all in your local area or online: www.liveup.org.au
If you prefer to speak to someone over the phone, LiveUp’s friendly Navigation team can help you to discover healthy ageing options for free on 1800 951 971.
Let’s add life to years, not just years to life! Welcome to the upside of ageing.
