Lifestage: Healthy Ageing
Age 70+; Strong and independent.
Take charge of your health and focus on the things that help you stay active, independent and enjoying life. Healthy habits, regular physical activity and routine health checks can help you feel your best and continue doing the activities that are important to you. As we age, conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers become more common, but many of these can be prevented, delayed or better managed through early action and ongoing care.
Regular health checks, including breast screening, bone health checks, heart health assessments, and vision and hearing tests, can help identify any issues early. By looking after your health and wellbeing, you can stay strong, connected and independent, and continue to live a full and active life.
Health Information
- Live a longer and healthier life; access resources at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
- Food and nutrition, emotional wellbeing and more; visit The Women’s Royal Hospital for resources.
- Uncovering secrets for ageing well, read more at Seniors Online Victoria.
- Positive ageing, planning ahead for your health; Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Let’s talk aged care: visit COTA South Australia to learn how to stay at home and live independently.
- Nutrition needs as you age; visit The Royal Women’s Hospital for resources.
- It’s common for your appetite to reduce as you get older, find the details at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
- Eat well to age well; visit Nutrition Australia for tips.
- Sample meal plan for women; visit Eat for Health for the plan.
- What do portion sizes actually look like? visit the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet to learn more.
- Five dietary tweaks for women over 50; visit Jean Hailes for the information.
- Emotional wellbeing as you age; read more at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
- Connecting with others; visit Preventative Health SA
- Access information and support about family, relationships, domestic violence, housing, independence and more; visit Women’s Information Service.
- Health Checks for Women; visit Better Health Channel for an overview.
- Healthy ageing quiz; LiveUp.
- Free breast screening for eligible SA women aged over 40, visit BreastScreenSA for the details.
- Free cervical screening; ShineSA telehealth and clinic services.
- Finding skin cancer early; Cancer Council SA.
- Lung health, check your lung health in two minutes with Lung Foundation Australia.
- Not sure what care you need? use Health Direct Symptom Checker to help decide what to do next.
- Online self assessment tool; Know your bones.
- Screen for bowel cancer from age 40: visit Bowel Cancer Australia for you home screening kit.
- Screening, tests and scans covered by Medicare.
- Why regular health checks are important, Diabetes Australia.
- Arthritis, Arthritis Australia.
- Bone health; visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
- Brain health, Dementia Australia.
- Breast health; visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health information.
- Breast cancer prevention and risk; visit National Breast Cancer Foundation.
- Diabetes prevention, Diabetes Australia.
- Falls, Health Direct.
- Falls prevention at home, Better Health.
- Find resources on heart and bone health, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and more at The Women’s Royal Hospital.
- Heart conditions in women; visit the Heart Foundation for more information.
- Incontinence, Continence Health Australia.
- Lung conditions, Lung Foundation Australia.
- Learn about women’s health conditions at HealthDirect.
- Pain and pain management for adults, Better Health.
- Pelvic pain resources available at Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia.
- SA chronic pain clinics, find a location.
- When do I need to see my doctor about persistent pain? Better Health.
Physical Activity Information
Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health, wellbeing and independence. Regular exercise helps you maintain muscle strength, bone health, balance and flexibility, making it easier to keep doing the everyday activities you enjoy.
Being active can help prevent or manage common health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can improve your mood, support brain health and help you stay socially connected. Including a mix of strength training, weight-bearing activities, aerobic exercise and stretching can help you stay strong, confident and independent, and continue living life on your terms for years to come.
- Find out how much activity women in later years should do each day; Movement Guidelines.
- Ageing muscles and bones, Better Health.
- Physical activity for older Australians, Preventative Health SA
- Physical activity for seniors; Better Health Channel.
- Exercise with a friend; Better Health Channel.
- 5 reasons women should do weight training; Health + Wellbeing QLD.
Common injuries that happen during this lifestage and what to do to prevent &/or manage them.
- Injuries from falls
- Broken hips
- Broken wrists and arms
- Back and spine fractures
- Head injuries from falls
- Other broken bones caused by weak bones (osteoporosis)
Prevention tips
- Stay active with strength and balance exercises to help prevent falls.
- Keep bones healthy with good nutrition, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and osteoporosis screening when appropriate.
- Make the home safer by reducing trip hazards and ensuring good lighting.
- Have regular vision and health checks and review medications that may affect balance.
These are general injury prevention guidelines. Individual needs and risk factors vary, so consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
- Ways to improve your body image, The Royal Women’s Hospital.
- Improving your body image, Better Health Vic.
- How to start exercising in later years, Health Direct.
- How to get started; Better Health Channel.
- What’s your excuse? Better Health Channel
- Free personal walking plan; Heart Foundation Walking.
- Looking for clear steps to start moving, non-intimidating, simple suggestions that don;t overwhelm…not just the why they should exercise – how can they get started if they don’t have a role model, or low physical literacy etc.
Keep Moving
Looking for expert support, a modified way to be active, or opportunities to contribute from the sidelines as a coach, volunteer or official, then explore these resources that support ongoing involvement in sport and recreation, and help you find environments that are safe, welcoming and inclusive.
Learn more about other life stages
Courses and Events
Sports Taping Course
Level 1 Sports Trainer Course
