New self-assessment tool to assist healthy aging

An online tool has been launched by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) to mark International Day of Older Persons.

The Healthy Ageing Quiz is an online self-assessment tool to assist people aged 50 and over to determine whether their current lifestyle is supporting them to age well.

The digitalised Healthy Ageing Quiz is based on the latest scientific evidence about healthy aging, with input from experts in the field including community members and older people themselves. It was developed by NARI with support from the Victorian Government and can be accessed here: www.nari.net.au/healthy-ageing-quiz.

While launching the new tool, Ingrid Stitt, the Victorian Minister for Mental Health, Ageing and Multicultural Affairs, reinforced the need to ensure that older people are appreciated, respected and empowered to live well later in life.

“We all benefit from the contributions that our seniors make. Ensuring that older people remain healthy, both physically and mentally, is vital to ensuring that older Victorians continue to live engaged and full lives as they age,” she said.

“Congratulations to all involved in the development of this important initiative. I hope that it starts conversations right across the state on what it means to age well.”

Associate Professor Frances Batchelor, Director of Clinical Gerontology and Senior Principal Researcher at NARI, outlined the structure of the quiz and how the score ratings can be used to generate a personal action plan that incorporates best practice approaches to aging well.

Image: Supplied.