General News
17 October, 2022
Clunes aims to age positively
After its senior citizens club closed, the Clunes community turned its attention to the idea of positive ageing — a topic that will be under the spotlight as part of an upcoming conference. Later this month, Clunes will host nationally acclaimed...
After its senior citizens club closed, the Clunes community turned its attention to the idea of positive ageing — a topic that will be under the spotlight as part of an upcoming conference.
Later this month, Clunes will host nationally acclaimed leaders and experts in positive ageing at the Talking Ageing with Attitude conference.
Organised by Clunes community group Attitude: Ageing Well in Clunes, which formed following the closure of the local senior citizens club in 2019, the conference is set to offer a local perspective on the global conversation around strategies for ageing well in the community.
Attitude member Dr Tess Brady said the upcoming conference will be eye-opening and challenge common misconceptions around ageing.
“We are starting this conversation in order to question the norms, develop understanding, and connect with the broader ecosystem,” she said.
“It’s urgent and timely as retirees are the fastest growing population group in Australia. I want to enjoy this part of my life and feel I contribute meaningfully.
“We must raise consciousness and challenge the many incorrect stereotypes around ageing.”
Four nationally acclaimed speakers will join the one-day conference including Dr Mike Rungie, director of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing who will share strategies on enabling older Australians to have meaningful citizenship and productivity and professor Cassandra Szoeke, a leading researcher in womens’ healthy ageing, brings insights on healthy living for older Australians.
Author Carmel Bird will explore Australian attitudes to ageing while Gerard Mansour, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians who released the 2020 report Ageing Well in a Changing World will also speak.
Dr Brady said Attitude wants to start a conversation about what an ageing population needs to stay healthy, happy and engaged in their community and have started this work, rolling out varied program including winery outings, art, singing, films and philosophy.
“We’re a model in development and we’re excited to share our insights while connecting and learning from regional experts,” she said.
“This is a national challenge, but the solutions could well be local.”
The Talking Ageing with Attitude Conference will take place on Friday, October 28 from 9.30 am until 5 pm at the Clunes Town Hall, 98 Bailey Street.
For more details and to purchase tickets to the conference, visitwww.talkingageingwithattitude.org