The expo that’s changing the narrative on ageing

Ageing is also about embracing new opportunities, exploring fresh passions and staying connected to the community, says Council on the Ageing ACT CEO, Jenny Mobbs. 

It’s this spirit, Jenny says, that will propel COTA’s free ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, which returns to the Old Bus Depot, Kingston, on Wednesday, September 24. 

“The Expo is about showing people that ageing can be a time of growth and joy,” she says. 

“We have brought together a wide range of exhibitors so you can find practical help, as well as get excited about the possibilities ahead.”

Drawing thousands of older Canberrans, their families and carers into the event, Jenny says the bigger venue allows more exhibitors than ever before. 

“The Expo promises a day of discovery, learning and fun for people at every stage of life,” she says. 

“At its heart, it’s about empowering older people to live well.” 

Within the Expo, attendees can find a range of stallholders showcasing products, services and opportunities designed to support healthy, fulfilling ageing. 

“From retirement living options and home modifications to wellness programs, hobbies, volunteering pathways and the latest in assistive technologies, the Expo is a one-stop shop for practical information and inspiration,” says Jenny. 

Alongside the exhibitor stalls, attendees will also be able to enjoy presentations, performances and creative workshops designed to “spark curiosity and connection”.

Food options and live entertainment will also be on show. 

“Whether you’re looking for expert advice, considering a lifestyle change, or simply seeking a fun day out, the Expo has something for everyone,” says Jenny. 

“Ageing isn’t about slowing down, it’s about keeping life exciting, connected and fulfilling.

“In a world where ageing is often framed in terms of limitations, the Expo offers a different narrative – one that celebrates vitality, resilience and opportunity.”

Transport Canberra is offering free public transport access across the ACT for seniors attending the event.

“To access this free service, tell the bus driver or customer service officer that you’re heading to the event,” says Jenny. 

“With limited parking available, we encourage visitors to use public transport or carpool with friends.” 

Jenny says what sets the Expo apart from others is their strong community spirit. 

“It’s a space where older Canberrans can discover new ideas, share experiences and build connections,” she says. 

“Many visitors leave not just with brochures and resources, but with new friendships, hobbies and a sense of what’s possible in the years ahead.

“By bringing together organisations, businesses and community groups, COTA ACT is helping older people access the tools they need to thrive.”

Registrations at cotaact.org.au/event/act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo 

ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am-3pm, Wednesday, September 24. Call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au 

The health professionals keeping you on top of diabetes

The effects of diabetes on adults over the age of 65 can differ vastly from younger people due to physiological, psychological and social changes associated with ageing, says credentialed diabetes educator at the Diabetes Australia Telehealth Clinic, Karen Jameson.

“Your GP is the best source of information for medical advice,” she says. 

“They understand your situation and can help prioritise personal medical needs, they can also help you navigate the pathways and refer you to trustworthy health care providers.”

The risk of diabetes increases with age, but Karen says risk factors can be understood and tested through online surveys and blood tests. 

Recently launching their new preventative health service, 1800PREVENT, which helps people take proactive steps to improve health, Karen says Diabetes Australia has a range of information and services that support people living with diabetes, as well as their families and carers. 

Treatment goals should be tailored to personal needs to ensure quality of life is maintained, says Karen. 

“You can do this by working with a diabetes care team to ensure your blood glucose levels are right to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia or impair quality of life.

“I recommend regular check-ups every three to six months, including annual review with other health professionals to prevent complications. 

Diabetes Australia at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am to 3pm, Wednesday, September 24. Call 1800 177055 or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au 

Experts in stress-free renovations

At Renovation Matters, the priority is making home renovations simple, efficient and stress-free, especially for seniors who want safe, comfortable and stylish homes, says owner Kim Persson.

Kim and her team have delivered more than 100 successful renovations, including more than 50 renovate-to-sell projects that have helped clients improve their property value and achieve quicker sales.

“We understand that renovating can feel overwhelming, particularly later in life,” Kim says. 

“That’s why we manage the entire process, from planning and budgeting to completion, with honesty, clear communication and genuine care.”

Kim says Renovation Matters works with trusted local trades and suppliers to ensure high-quality workmanship and timely results. 

“Whether it’s updating for safety, improving accessibility or refreshing a much-loved home, the focus is always on creating spaces that improve comfort, confidence and lifestyle,” she says.

“When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that treats your home as if it were our own, with quality, trust and heart at the centre of everything we do.”

Renovations Matters at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, September 24. Call 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au 

Advice and advocacy for retirement living 

The ACT Retirement Village Residents Association (ACT RVRA) will have a booth at the COTA Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, on Wednesday, September 24. 

“The ACT RVRA exists to inform, represent and support residents, as well as prospective residents, of ACT retirement villages,” says secretary, Anne Caine. 

“As an organisation, we are focused on all aspects of retirement village living, including transitioning to village and retirement living in a changing world.”

Providing independent information, advice and advocacy for existing and prospective residents, Anne says they work with the ACT government to ensure the regulatory framework for ACT retirement villages is “fit for purpose”. 

“We would love to see you at the expo to hear about your experiences at your retirement village, and to let you know about our experiences,” she says. 

“We are also very interested to talk with you if you are considering moving into one of the 41 retirement villages within the ACT. 

“We have an up-to-date list of the current villages for you to review if you are looking for a village in your area.

“We will also have some useful information for you to take away with you.” 

ACT RVRA at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, at Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am to 3pm, Wednesday, September 24. Call 6179 6003 or visit actrvra.org.au 

Protecting seniors from discrimination

“Senior Canberrans are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment under ACT law,” says Discrimination, Health Services, Disability and Community Services Commissioner Karen Toohey.

“This means that you or someone you care for doesn’t have to put up with discrimination or unfair treatment because of age, where you live, disability or family and carer responsibilities,” she says.

The ACT Human Rights Commission can help seniors with matters relating to discrimination in employment, housing and accommodation, provision of health services, issues with retirement villages, issues with residential aged care providers or in-home aged care services, physical or psychological abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

“We are told that some older people do not want to report abuse or exploitation because they are concerned about the impact on family relationships or the care and support they receive,” says Commissioner Toohey.

“The benefit of our process is that it can be anonymous. We work towards the outcome the older person is seeking – that might be the return of money or assets, or for a person to move out of their home so they feel safe.

“Where the older person wants the relationship maintained we work with them, and the other people involved, to make arrangements for the ongoing relationship.”

Commissioner Toohey also says that people sometimes think their issue is too small or too individual to make a complaint. 

“Or they think a matter would need to go to court or involve the police, so they may prefer not to raise their concerns,” she says. 

“We know these types of issues impact on people’s health and wellbeing and their participation in public life, so we encourage people to give us a call and talk about their options.”

All services are free and confidential.

ACT Human Rights Commission at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, September 24. Call 6205 2222, email [email protected], make an online complaint at hrc.act.gov.au/complaints or visit hrc.act.gov.au

Benefits of a prepaid funeral plan 

Allowing clients to lock in their funeral price at today’s cost, organising a prepaid funeral plan can relieve family members of financial burden and stress, says Invocare ACT operations manager, Cassandra Proctor. 

A parent company of Tobin Brothers and Guardian Plan, Cassandra says it’s worth looking into Guardian Plan prepaid funerals. 

“This service allows clients to plan their funeral the way they want it to be and, with payment installments available, it can ease the burden left on family in the event of a beloved member passing,” she says. 

In comparison to funeral insurances, Guardian Plans don’t have any premiums attached and are exempt from the asset test for age pension purposes. 

“These plans aren’t subject to a ceiling investment and can be transferred interstate in the instance of a client moving residences at any point,” she says. 

With funds held in a trust, Cassandra says custom pre-planned funerals can be paid in interest-free installments or upfront, with a 30 per cent deposit. 

Tobin Brothers will be at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo to discuss the benefits of Guardian Plans.

Tobin Brothers Funerals at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo, Kingston Old Bus Depot, 20 Wentworth Avenue, 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, September 24. Call 6295 2799, or visit tobinscanberrafunerals.com.au 

Dale’s dance classes are good for all ages

From a waltz to a samba, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing has been offering dance classes for more than 25 years. 

With more than 30 years of experience, Dale Harris says dancing is for everyone. 

“Our adult classes are open to anyone and we are happy to adapt to suit the needs of our audience,” she says. 

Currently, Dale offers two levels of expertise in her adult classes on Wednesday nights. 

Her beginner classes go from 7.30pm-8.30pm and cover the basics of a variety of dances, her intermediate/advanced class level, from 8.30pm-9.30pm, tackle the harder dance skills to learn. 

Dale says dancing is a great exercise for any age. 

“Dancing is 10 times better than doing a crossword puzzle at the table or taking the dog for a walk,” she says. 

“It keeps your brain and body active while you think about the steps and move.

Moving to the Weston Neighbourhood Hall to host her adult beginner classes, Dale offers seven-week courses, although she says it’s also okay to “just turn up”.

Dale’s next seven-week course starts on September 17 for anyone wishing to start from the beginning. 

A new selection of kids’ medal classes for students up to 19 years old are also available to book.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, Hilder Street & Gritten Street, Weston. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Program helps reduce need for hip replacements 

Osteoporosis is a serious skeletal disease where bones can leave density, becoming fragile, with some people requiring joint replacements. 

Holding two educational sessions and 12 supervised exercise classes over a six-week period, Arthritis ACT’s GLA:D program is designed to reduce the need for a hip replacement or to reduce the symptoms of hip and/or knee osteoporosis, which is prevalent in those aged over 65. 

Initially introduced in Denmark based on research for people with osteoarthritis, GLA:D collects research data from participants to improve access to care. 

“This program is a conservative management of osteoporosis that can be used as both a prevention and prehabilitation method of exercise to reduce pain and increase mobility,” says Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. 

Targeting joint stability, muscle strength and confidence with movement, Rebecca says the program also offers helpful tips, tricks and education from their physios who run the sessions. 

“These exercises could stave off a hip replacement, which is a very big deal,” she says. 

Arthritis ACT has also recently welcomed a new hydrotherapy pool in Tuggeranong that Rebecca says will immensely benefit the community by expanding their services to the southside of Canberra.

“The health benefits of hydrotherapy aren’t just limited to what the pool can offer,” she says. 

“Many people attending any of our classes have become close friends and bond over shared experiences.”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

Free seminar helps get prepared for getting older

“As we get older, it’s natural to start thinking about how we want our future to look, and how to best plan for it,” says KJB Law Principal Jo Twible. 

“This might mean understanding aged-care options, considering changes to your will or powers of attorney, or exploring ways to fund care without putting unnecessary pressure on family. 

“With the new aged-care reforms due to begin from November 1, it’s more important than ever to be informed.” 

Jo says aged care options don’t just mean residential aged care. 

Running free seminars twice yearly, KJB Law in conjunction with Phillips Wealth Partners, helps seniors gain a concise view of downsizing, estate planning and aged-care issues. 

The next free seminar is at the Hellenic Club, Phillip, from 10am on Wednesday, November 12. 

“We want to give people a clear, practical understanding of how these reforms affect them, whether they’re staying at home, entering care or looking at different solutions for their changing needs,” says Jo. 

The seminar will cover the pros and cons of staying at home and various downsizing options; in-home care and residential/hybrid options; considerations for reviewing a will; power of attorney and advance care directive when looking at care options and understanding costs/funding strategies. 

“Whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, this seminar is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamentals to help you make informed decisions,” says Jo. 

KJB Law, 10 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Retirement village offers independence and activities

Adria Care combines access to important facilities with a feel of privacy, making it the perfect place for retirement, a spokesman for the village says. 

“There’s close access to Cooleman Court and Woden Westfield, but we are surrounded by reserves and parklands making it a very peaceful atmosphere for residents,” he says.

Located in the heart of Weston Creek, Adria Care, which has two dedicated respite rooms and a special care unit, offers residential care for 42 residents. The village also contains 36 independent living units.

It offers residents a wide range of things to do, and that they can get involved as little or as much as they’d like.

“We have an active residents’ committee who organise lots of get-togethers. Residents can play cards, go to morning teas and happy hours, enjoy exercise, and much more,” he says.

Established in 1994 by volunteers of the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, the village is home to a multicultural group of people.

“We have residents [from] Australia, Croatia, China, France, Macedonia, Hungary and more,” he says.

“There are great residents and great staff committed to the best outcomes for the community.”

Adria Care, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. Call 6288 0198, or visit adria.org.au

Restructure for residents in aged care and independent living

Recently going through a restructure and new refurbishments, Villaggio Sant’ Antonia’s interim independent living villa (ILV) operations manager, Michael Giugni, says their aged-care services and accommodation continues to keep residents at the forefront of their actions. 

“Our priority is always on our residents, whether they are in our residential aged-care facility or in our retirement-living homes,” he says. 

To keep their community feeling like “home”, many of the places within the village have been renamed after Italian streets and cities.

“We’ve also expanded our lifestyle team and are on the lookout for volunteers,” says Michael. 

From assisting with group activities, playing Scrabble or even working with transport, Michael says the volunteers are doing so much more than setting up an activity or two. 

Another shake up to their system is the recent introduction of in-house cooking, which Michael says will assist in the flexibility required to adjust to what residents need and want in their meals. 

“We’ve also restructured our board to ensure we have a strong skill mix that caters to the needs of the community,” he says. 

“Ultimately, it’s all about giving our residents more choice, flexibility and freedom.

“We want them to be able to decide how they live and will find a way to help them achieve whatever it is that they are after.”

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794, or visit villagio.com.au

A ‘social’ approach to funeral pre-planning

Thinking about funeral pre-planning doesn’t have to be a solitary event, says Tender Funerals Canberra Region general manager, Catherine Prosser.

“End-of-life planning can be done with friends and acquaintances as a social event,” she says. 

“More seniors are embracing opportunities to explore their options together.”

Recently welcoming the public to their facility for an open day to ask questions and understand their choices, Catherine says they were grateful to have received more than 120 visitors asking thoughtful and insightful questions. 

“Attending an information session at a local library or seniors centre, or even inviting guest speakers to a social group, can be a great way to start feeling more comfortable about the choices available to you,” she says. 

A not-for-profit, community-led funeral service, Tender Funerals Canberra Region has presented more than 20 community events over the past 12 months. 

“We find that when people have these conversations as a group, they are surprised by how enjoyable and positive the experience is,” she says. 

“Everyone has the same questions, so it makes people feel much more confident about their own end-of-life planning when they know they’re not on their own.”

Talk and tour requests are available by phone or email. 

Tender Funerals, 11 Glenbrook Lane, Fairbairn. Call 6171 6229, email [email protected] or visit tenderfunerals.com.au/canberra

Working together to make retirement work

David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retirement, says director David Luke.

“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and offer investment advice and implementation,” he says.

“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.

David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.

“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.

“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”

He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.

“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David.

“I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.

“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”

David Luke Retirement Planning, Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242, or visit davidlukeplanning.com.au 

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