In our final episode of Season 3, Lex & Patricia present a panel discussion on the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030).
We welcome Craig Gear OAM – CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network, Yumi Lee – CEO Older Women’s Network NSW and Lee-Fay Low – Professor in Ageing & Health at the University of Sydney.
Among the many topics addressed, Lee-Fay Low talks about dementia and the battle to get a better deal for the half a million Australians living with the condition. Craig Gear highlights the subtle and pernicious effects of ageism and the enshrining of Human Rights in the Aged Care Act. Yumi Lee outlines some the many circumstances that can lead to women’s homelessness with more than 400,000 over-45s currently at risk.
Elder abuse issues encompassing psychological, neglect, financial and sexual are also raised in the discussion. Yumi Lee draws attention to the deeply disturbing fact that some 50 people are sexually assaulted in aged care every week.
Although the troubles experienced by our elders are hard to confront, each panel member makes a difference through their passionate advocacy for seniors’ welfare. They point to incremental improvement and recent legislation as reasons to be optimistic about a better future.
In Nostalgia Town Lex & Patricia look back through the many highlights of Season 3. Among their inspiring guests, we’ll hear snippets from Prof Jenny Hocking talking about the Whitlam years, Max Ball discussing Vietnam veterans, Prof Gary Foley and Thomas Mayo on indigenous issues, Craig Gear speaking about aged care, Prof Vivian Wuthrich on mental health and Prof Claudia Baldwin on Climate change. We also hear from celebrity guests Noeline Brown, Lucky Starr, John Williamson, Toni Lamond, Ita Buttrose, Kate McClymont, Kerry O’Brien and Carlotta.
For Money Extra, financial guru, Noel Whittaker AM talks about how to maximise the aged pension. He outlines the assets and income test and what is exempt and what’s not. Your home for example is exempt but assets such as caravans and furnishings are not.
Steppin’ Out takes us Orange in NSW to meet a fascinating lady, Amanda Spalding of radio FM107.5. Amanda is chair and presenter at the station, a local councillor and board member for Arts Out West.
Amanda talks about the cultural attractions of the Central West as well as its thriving wine industry and sporting events. Her own affiliation with sport included a role as the first female board member of England’s Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.
Useful links –
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
OPAN ‘Ready to Listen’ – Preventing Sexual Abuse in Aged Care
National Older Women’s Network
United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing
Lee-Fay Low book “Live & Laugh With Dementia”
Noel Whittaker: Age pension calculator
Centrelink Financial Information Service or call 132300
Superguide: How to maximise your age pension
Canstar: 10 ways to maximise your pension
National Seniors: how to maximise your entitlements