Lessons in modern ageing

Julianne Parkinson, founding CEO of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing shares her insights on the key challenges facing the industry and how Australians can age well. She suggests that one of the most important factors in developing outstanding aged care is fostering a culture of understanding and empathy in which we listen to the voices of older Australians.

Parkinson argues that some of the greatest challenges facing the aged care industry in Australia today are ageist attitudes and limiting beliefs which present a significant obstacle to improving the quality of care for older adults.

“At a societal level, we can embrace the concept of modern ageing through the recognition that older adults deserve our deepest respect, and have much to contribute, whether through employment, learning, enterprise, leadership or community. It’s all about carving out new pathways and co-designing new, appealing choices for older adults that reflect their individualism and agency,” Parkinson says.

In her work with the not-for-profit GCMA based in South Australia, Parkinson leads the collaboration with partners across the globe to champion initiatives to improve the lives of our older generations. The GCMA works with governments, businesses, citizens and research partners on public benefit research projects to inform decision-making in policy, product and technology design as well as bespoke research projects. These programs utilise internationally accredited living laboratory methodologies and GCMA’s state-of-the-art simulated studio, LifeLab.

The LifeLab simulated real-life studio. Image: Supplied

“It’s always inspiring to see new technologies, and new thinking, applied to solve the challenges or unmet needs of older people.

“We’re especially proud of our project with autonomous vehicle manufacturer Aurrigo, investigating the potential of self-driving vehicles within retirement village settings, and also our work with regional provider Barossa Village to design a vibrant intergenerational precinct that expands care provision beyond the physical structure of an aged care facility.”

Aurrigo autonomous vehicles. Image: Supplied

Parkinson emphasises the need to remain socially engaged with the wider community and for Australians to maintain a sense of purpose as they age. “Keeping older people engaged in civic life, and connected to their communities, enriches both individuals and our country as a whole.

“Fostering a culture of respect and empathy for older adults is perhaps the most important lesson that Australia can learn from other nations.”

Singapore is often named among the nations with the strongest supports for healthy, positive ageing, and Parkinson highlights Singapore’s strong emphasis on innovation and leveraging technology to support ageing citizens.

Technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), will shape the future aged health landscape and is enabling new data-driven models of care in Australia, but Parkinson cautions that this technology must be usable, scalable and genuinely fit-for-purpose for both older adults and care providers. When developed and implemented correctly, technology has exciting potential to improve client outcomes and could also alleviate the burden of repetitive, low-value tasks to improve the working lives of aged health employees.

Emerging technologies are also being implemented to meet the needs of the Baby Boomer generation, which is beginning to enter aged care environments.

“They have different expectations, and more specific demands for their own personalised care, than previous generations. We’re beginning to see care providers broadening their offerings in response to this trend, integrating preventative care and wellness initiatives.”

Approximately 95% of older Australians aged 65-plus are living independently in their own homes. According to a Global Centre for Modern Ageing study, eight in 10 older Australians aspire to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

“This desire to stay at home, even as circumstances change, actually increases with age. Home is intrinsically linked to our sense of identity and belonging. Ageing in place is important to older people because it allows them to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities, and enjoy the safe haven of comfortable, familiar surroundings.”

Parkinson also stresses the benefits of ageing in place at a macro-economic level since it’s more cost-effective than other forms of aged care.

“We should be modifying and designing homes, services and community infrastructure so that they’re truly accessible and ‘age inclusive’. Ideally, solutions should support older people to transition smoothly from independent to assisted living, onwards to skilled nursing facilities or dementia care settings as or when they’re required.

“We can build sturdy foundations for ageing in place through multi-stakeholder collaboration; co-designing fit-for-purpose solutions that effectively address the unmet needs of our culturally, geographically and socio-economically diverse older population.”

The GCMA envisions that innovative, blended models of care incorporating new technologies, eg, remote support and monitoring for older Australians, will increasingly enable independent living.

“But it’s crucial that older end users feel empowered and not alienated or overwhelmed by these technologies. For this reason, investment in digital inclusion and literacy programs tailored to older adults is essential.

“Investment in prevention initiatives, early intervention programs and appropriate, fit-for-purpose technologies will also stand our nation in good stead for the future, improving the efficiency and efficacy of healthcare and wellbeing services.

“We’re waking up to an important realisation that becoming ‘old’ is not something that happens overnight. It’s a long and graceful process.” And one we all need to respect.

Top image caption: Julianne Parkinson outside LifeLab, GCMA. Image: Supplied