The Ageing Ideal

In this episode, we explore what happens when work, strength or status no longer define who you are as a man. Host Jacinta Parsons speaks with Professor Leon Flicker, journalist Geoff Hutchison and Matt Sernig, co-founder of Spoke to a Bloke. Through expert insight and lived experience, the conversation explores masculinity, identity, vulnerability and the challenges many men face as they grow old...

What gives life meaning as we age? This episode explores purpose, connection, spirituality and self-reflection through heartfelt conversations with experts and lived experience voices. In this episode, we explore how meaning in life is discovered, shaped and lived as we grow older.  Host Jacinta Parsons speaks with Reverend Clare Brockett, the esteemed author of “The Meaning o...

In this episode, we step into one of life’s most universal yet least discussed realities — death, dying and end of life care. We hear why these conversations are often avoided, and what it costs when we don’t talk about how we want to live our final years. We explore palliative care, grief, dignity, choice and the importance of planning ahead, because how we approach death shapes...

In this episode, we're stepping into the world of later life romance, companionship, desire and connection. We hear from people discovering new partnerships after decades of marriage, from those navigating dating and more.   We'll talk about grief and renewal, sexuality and intimacy, independence and togetherness, and the courage it takes to love again, because love and older age isn't a foot...

Being a grandparent today isn’t about fitting into an old mould but finding your own rhythm.  Between love and limits, care and independence…there’s space for a new kind of grand-parenting to emerge. In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, Jacinta Parsons speaks with grandparents Chris and Janice who talk about how they make it work as the live as one of four generations in th...

When the pace of life slows and the noise of ambition quells, we begin to notice the difference between loneliness and solitude.  Loneliness is the ache of absence—the empty chair, the silence when we long for familiar voices. Solitude, on the other hand, is the comfort of our own company—the gentle pause after a busy life, where memories breathe and small joys shine. In this epis...

As we age, risk-taking becomes a conscious consideration. While caution often increases and those around us may encourage it, older adults still have the right to take risks. Yet ignoring the challenges of ageing can have serious consequences. Finding the right balance is crucial, but it raises the question of who ultimately decides.  In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, host Jacinta Parsons...

You can be strong at any age. While it takes effort and commitment, are there limits to the physical activity and exercise we can do to keep our mind and body strong? Is it ever too late to start? To find out, podcast host Jacinta Parsons is talking to Professor Alan Hayes, Assistant Dean, Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Victoria University and Deputy Director of the Australian...

Wellbeing, happiness, joy... Once considered to diminish as people age, research is showing the contrary - that ageing, even when it brings physical or cognitive decline, can deliver an uptick in overall quality of life.  It is referred to as The Ageing Paradox. In this episode, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr Anita Goh, Associate Professor at the National Ageing Research Institute.  With...

The aged care sector has faced acute challenges in the last few years, with COVID further exposing cracks in the system and deepening a Royal Commission which was already underway.  In this episode, Jacinta Parsons talks to Andrew Kinnersly, Uniting AgeWell Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Fonda Voukelatos , to get a deeper understanding of the aged care...

Ageing impacts the body in so many ways, with mental health and well-being often directly impacted. So, how can older Australians and carers stay on top of their mental health? What community services are available, and how is the aged care system training staff to manage well-being concerns? For a well-rounded perspective, you'll hear from three guests deeply experienced in the space, including&n...

Many people are not fully prepared to care for an aging loved one. Host, Jacinta Parsons explores this dynamic and how the well-being of both parties can be addressed.  This episode also explores the role of career carers, the importance of their role and continued support and development.  Jacinta is in conversation with  84-year-old Lyn Hamilton and they discuss her time caring fo...

Welcome to the Ageing Ideal! It’s not how old you are but how you are old that matters. Well, since a roadmap and some sage advice would be helpful, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons guides you through the Ageing Ideal podcast series, which explores the warts and all perspectives and experiences of older people, their families, carers and other experts in the sector. This podcast is for...

Getting older does not mean your life has to stop, or that your impact needs to be less.  In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Host, Jacinta Parsons discovers how two people in residential aged care are as busy as ever! More importantly, they're doing what they love and giving back to their communities.  First, Jactina talks to Merv Stanton, a 97-year-old, retired Anglican Minister, wh...