World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday as Dementia Action Week closes
Dementia accounted for the deaths of nearly 17,400 Australians in 2023, or 9.5% of all deaths, exceeding the number of deaths from coronary heart disease for the first time, according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The degenerative condition mostly…
Widow Rita Bourke has loved life in a retirement village for two decades
Joining in the festivities to mark Bolton Clarke Bribie Cove retirement village’s 20th anniversary on Bribie Island in Queensland’s Moreton Bay, was one of its first residents. The local community turned out in force to join the celebration on 13 September, which included vintage car…
Be sure your retirement village or lifestyle community is as tech savvy as you are
The second Ageing Australia Study reveals a sharp shift in seniors’ lifestyles with tech-savvy Australians aged 65-85 now using smartphones at rates similar to Gen Z. The study, commissioned by retirement village operator Aveo, features a diverse sample of socio-economic and geographic population across four…
South Australia Police and Dementia Support Australia partner for hotline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SytQqSG9Ubc A police-only 24-hour helpline to better support people living with dementia has been created in the state of South Australia. In a scheme which should be replicated throughout Australia, the emergency services priority helpline provides fast-tracked assistance to police when dealing with community members…
Bolton Clarke retirement living team make furniture for veterans
Everyone working in retirement living deserves praise and those that go a step further feature in the villages.com.au newsletter. Bolton Clarke retirement living team members have rolled up their sleeves and dusted off the tools to make furniture for veterans. The pieces of furniture were…
As Verna and Dorothy show unbreakable friendships happen in retirement villages
Three years ago, across a dinner table, a cheeky smile from Verna Hewson, accompanied by a glass of red wine, caught Dorothy Aylward’s attention. That moment sparked a connection that has blossomed into an inseparable friendship. It took place at Beckett Restaurant, the on-site dining…
740 residents taking part in this month’s GemLife Games
The initiative of over-50s lifestyle developer GemLife, the inter-resort event champions fitness, fun and friendship among older Australians. Proving age is just a number, more than 740 athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50s to 80s will go head-to-head in a showdown of spirt, skill…
Aged Pension and deeming rate to rise on 20 September
Over 2.6 million age pensioners will see more money in their bank accounts every fortnight. From 20 September, people receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment (about 1.8 million older Australians) will see a $29.70 increase to their…
Grannys for rent in Japan’s loneliness crises: will this catch on Australia?
As a grandmother-for-hire, 69-year-old Taeko Kaji performs a variety of tasks from cleaning to cooking to giving life advice. “I never get bored,” the resident told the ABC. “I get to go out and have these experiences and that’s why taking this job was the…
Will seniors exercise parks catch on throughout Australia?
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula’s first dedicated Senior Exercise Park has opened in Mount Martha. Designed specifically for older adults, this new park provides a safe and accessible space for seniors to stay active, build strength and balance, and connect with others in the community. Delivered in…