Age Right

24/10/2025

Happy Reading our next newsletter

07/08/2025

There is growing evidence of the importance of great hearing to decrease our risk of dementia.

It is important to start with an audiology assessment to assess your risk and determine if hearing aids are needed. This can be accessed via Medicare with a valid referral from your doctor.

If you do need hearing aids - it is essential to use these all the time even when living alone. It allows our cognition to be stimulated by the birds chirping, the wind blowing and everyday life. Chat to your friendly audiologist today

23/07/2025

July is crunch month to raise awareness for Dementia Australia. Dr Kelly Wright is aiming to do 100 crunches per day. How many can you do?

16/07/2025

Dr Kelly Wright recently completed the June 3214 push-up challenge with her local scout group. The money raised went to headspace. The total number of pushups represents the number of suicides in 2024
Time for the check-in. Are you ok? Remember to ask your family and friends the important check-in question.

17/04/2025

Strap on those runners and come join the Age Right team for the annual Memory Walk and Jog event

11/02/2025

When you’re living with early memory impairment, planning for the future can feel overwhelming. One of the most significant decisions you might face is whether to move into aged care now or wait until your memory issues become more advanced. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the benefits and challenges of each option can help you make the choice that’s right for you.

The Benefits of Moving into Aged Care Early
Making the move to aged care while your memory is still relatively strong can offer several advantages:
• Easier Adjustment: Transitioning to a new home and routine is often smoother when you can actively engage with your surroundings and form relationships with staff and residents.
• Professional Support: Aged care provides round-the-clock support to help with memory challenges, medication management, and personal care, ensuring your safety and well-being.
• Social Opportunities: Many aged care facilities offer engaging activities, cognitive programs, and opportunities to connect with others—helping to enrich your life and possibly slow cognitive decline.
• Shared Decisions: You can be actively involved in choosing your care preferences, personalizing your space, and planning for your future.

The Benefits of Waiting to Move
Staying in your home longer can also have its own set of advantages:
• Comfort in Familiarity: Remaining in a space you know, and love can bring a sense of stability and emotional comfort.
• Time with Family: Being cared for by family members can deepen bonds and allow for meaningful time together in a familiar setting.
• Independence: Delaying aged care allows you to retain a sense of autonomy for as long as possible.

Things to Consider When Waiting
While staying at home has its benefits, it’s important to think about potential challenges:
• Safety Risks: Memory impairment can increase the risk of accidents, wandering, or neglecting daily tasks like eating or taking medications.
• Stress on Family Caregivers: Loved ones may experience emotional, physical, and financial strain while providing care.
• A Harder Transition Later: Moving during advanced memory impairment can feel disorienting or overwhelming, especially if the move happens during a crisis.

How to Make the Right Decision for You
This decision is a deeply personal one, and it’s okay to take your time. Here are a few steps that can help:
• Talk with Loved Ones: Share your thoughts and feelings with your family or friends, and involve them in the discussion.
• Consult Healthcare Professionals: Your doctor or geriatrician can provide valuable insights about your needs.
• Research Options: Visit aged care facilities, speak with staff, and explore trial stays if possible.
• Plan for the Future: Whether you decide to move now or later, having a plan in place can ease stress and provide peace of mind.

You’re Not Alone
No matter what you decide, remember that you don’t have to face this decision on your own. Support is available to help you navigate this transition and ensure you feel safe, cared for, and valued.

Need more information or support?
My Aged Care is a great place to start and you’ll need your assessment done prior to entering care.

23/01/2025

Many of us are familiar with osteoporosis, or low bone density, but its impact on spinal health and posture is often overlooked. As the bones in the vertebrae lose their structural integrity, they become shorter and wedge-shaped. In some cases, fractures can occur with minimal force. These changes can lead to a more rounded, hunched, or "kyphotic" posture. Such postural changes are not just uncomfortable—they significantly increase the risk of falls. This happens because the body’s centre of gravity shifts, making it harder to maintain balance. The ability to correct posture while standing or walking is diminished, and tasks like reaching overhead, turning around, or even rising from a chair become more challenging. Unfortunately, these limitations increase the likelihood of falls, which can result in fractures, hospitalization, and a loss of independence. For many older adults, a hip fracture can mark the transition out of independent living and into care facilities.

What can you do to prevent or reduce postural changes?
Research has consistently shown that weight-bearing and resistance exercises are highly effective in slowing bone density loss—and can even stimulate new bone growth. Exercises performed on your feet or using resistance bands and weights are particularly beneficial. Strengthening the muscles in the glutes, back, and shoulders helps counteract postural changes, while progressive resistance training is key to improving muscle mass and strength. High-intensity resistance exercises have been proven to produce the best results in maintaining and improving bone density.
For optimal results, aim for 30 minutes of weight-bearing or resistance exercise five times a week. Working with an experienced health practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, ensures that these exercises are both safe and effective.

At Age Right Malvern East, we specialize in guided exercise programs tailored for older adults, offering both individual and group options. We’d love to support you in maintaining your strength, mobility, and independence—get in touch with us today!

18/01/2025

The Age Right team enjoyed an evening at Malvern Bowling Club for their end of year celebrations.

18/01/2025

Stay hydrated this summer:
Water isn’t just a refreshing drink on a hot day; it’s fundamental to the functioning of your brain and body. In fact, over half of your body is composed of water! It’s essential for keeping your cells, organs, and tissues functioning optimally.

Tips for Staying Hydrated
Here are practical ways seniors can prioritize hydration and feel their best this summer:

Drink Water Regularly
Even if you’re not thirsty, aim to drink water throughout the day. Thirst often decreases with age, so consider setting reminders or establishing a routine—like drinking a glass of water after every meal. A good rule of thumb is to consume about eight cups of water daily, though individual needs may vary.

Enhance the Flavour
If plain water doesn’t excite you, add a twist! Infuse water with slices of cucumber, lemon, mint, or berries. Herbal teas, served warm or chilled, are another excellent option to keep your hydration levels up.

Eat Hydrating Foods
Incorporate water-rich foods into your meals. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges, along with vegetables like cucumbers, celery, and lettuce, can help you stay hydrated. Soups, broths, and stews are also great hydrating options, with some even served cold for a refreshing summer treat.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinks like coffee, tea, and alcohol can dehydrate you by increasing urination. While moderation is key, consider opting for alternatives like herbal teas, milk, or fruit juices.

Carry a Water Bottle
Make it a habit to carry a filled water bottle wherever you go, ensuring easy access to hydration, especially during outings in the heat.

Monitor Temperature and Sweat
Hot weather and strenuous activities can lead to excessive sweating, depleting your body’s fluids. Dress in light clothing, stay in cool environments, and take frequent breaks. Replenish lost fluids with water and electrolytes if you feel overheated.

18/01/2025

Enjoy having a cuppa and catching up with the Age Right newsletter.

Check out this A4 designed by Kelly Wright.