A NEW study has found retirement living residents have a better quality of life than other older Australians, while renters fared the worst.
The Catalyst Research Report summarises feedback from over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, comparing groups by age, sex and where they live.
Those in a Retirement Community score significantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).
Retirement village residents rate their wellness far more favourably in terms of safety, companionship and access to support.
Those living in lifestyleoriented communities are happier again in terms of independence, activities, mental wellbeing and thoughts about the future.
Those living in a rental have the lowest wellness index of any group.
Those over 80 report much higher satisfaction with their financial wellbeing than those under 66 years of age.
This reflects property appreciation, lower expenses and lower spending amongst many Australians over 75.
The
lasting impact of COVID on seniors’ social connections revealed
FIVE years since the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic on March 11, new research released by National Seniors Australia (NSA) shows the long-term impacts of Covid on seniors’ social connectedness.
NSA Head of Research Dr Diane Hosking said while life has returned to normal for many people with social distancing, restrictions, and face masks no longer a part of everyday life, for some seniors, life has changed forever when it comes to social connections as revealed by the latest National Seniors Social Survey.
“COVID changed and challenged how all Australians lived and conducted their daily lives, especially older Australians who were more at risk and urged to take extra precautions with many still cautious to socialise for some time after restrictions lifted,” Dr Hosking said.
In terms of the disruption COVID posed to social connections, around half the 5000 people surveyed said their relationships had bounced back (48 per cent), and another quarter said
there was no disruption in the first place (23 per cent).
Many reported maintaining relationships via phone, videoconferencing, or similar methods. Sadly, another 7 per cent said they had very few or no connections prior to COVID.
Of the remaining respondents, most (14 per cent) said they had regained their connections, but COVID had permanently changed how they connect now.
“Some saw loved ones less often, having gotten out of the habit. Others remained cautious about socialising given the risk posed by the virus even today,” she said.
“Around a tenth (9 per cent) said they had been unable to regain their social connections, but a third of those had made new ones instead.”
The research reveals connections had been lost by groups shutting down because of the pandemic, loved ones disagreeing about COVID measures, or people dying from the illness, among other reasons.
“Long periods of personal
have changed the way people interact with one another,” she said.
“While most people have regained their connections, others have changed how they connect with others permanently.
“Later life can bring new challenges to staying connected. Older people may stop working, ending a regular element of our social lives.
“Our friends and partners are more likely to pass away at older ages, leaving
sometimes completely alone.
“If our own bodies become less capable, or if we find ourselves caring full time for a dependent person, we can lose the capacity to meet with those we love. The list goes on.
“If there is anything we have learned from the pandemic, it is the importance of staying connected to others for mental and physical wellbeing. Staying connected evokes feelings
cared for, and valued.
“These are intrinsic needs for everyone, especially older Australians who can be at increased risk of loneliness.”
The research also explored older Australians barriers to getting out, level of loneliness, and level of contentment with how they spend their time.
To learn more about the research visit NSA’s 2025 ‘Social connectedness and isolation among older Australians’.
Living Action against care shortfalls
Commission takes action against aged care providers failing to meet care targets
THE Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is taking regulatory action against residential aged care providers that have persistently failed to meet their mandatory care minutes targets.
Mandatory care minutes ensure that older people in residential aged care homes receive the dedicated direct care time, including from a registered nurse, that they need.
Since 1 October 2023,
residential
successive quarters.
The Commission’s initial action has focused on
Enforceable
27 individual residential aged care homes that have fallen well short of delivering their care minutes targets across
much smaller – or no – care minutes shortfalls.
locations where surrounding services have
An Enforceable Undertaking is legally binding and sets out agreed actions that the provider will take to meet their care minutes requirements.
Examples of actions that providers have agreed to take include immediate recruitment of more nursing
and care staff
Use of an Enforceable Undertaking by the Commission depends on a provider’s acknowledgement that there is a problem to be fixed, and the likely effectiveness and timeliness of the action/s proposed by the provider to address the problem.
The Commission can take the provider to court for failing to implement its Enforceable Undertaking.
Sanctions and financial penalties can be imposed.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, said the Commission is being “firm and fair” with these providers and are using their regulatory powers to hold them to account.
The Commission’s key focus is on making sure that the needs of people receiving aged care are met and their wellbeing is supported.
Free seniors expo coming to Caboolture
SENIORS of the Caboolture and surrounds community are invited to join the upcoming Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo, a special event tailored for those aged 55 and over.
Offering free admission, this unique expo gives locals the chance to explore a wide variety of businesses and service providers all under one roof.
Whether you’re looking into retirement living options, travel packages, social activities, or health
and financial services, this event provides the perfect opportunity to gather information and make informed decisions.
It’s an ideal chance for both personal exploration and for those seeking solutions for loved ones.
Visitors will have access to industry professionals and small business owners, offering valuable insights and exclusive ‘expo-only’ deals.
You can also enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and refreshments while browsing, plus enter to
win lucky door prizes.
Event Details:
When: Thursday, April 10th, 2025, 10am to 2pm
Where: Caboolture
Memorial Hall, 61-65 King Street, Caboolture QLD
Cost: Free Admission
Reserve your tickets today and discover a range of options to enhance your retirement and senior lifestyle.
For more information, contact info@ seniorexposaustralia. com or visit https://www. seniorexposaustralia.com/ caboolture.html
Support at Home
If
St Paul’s Aged Care
Aged care doesn’t need to be tricky
Melissa is here to help!
We understand that figuring out Aged Care can be daunting.
So at St Paul’s, we go above and beyond to make things easier.
We offer a dedicated Client & Community Advisor, Melissa Baker, who will happily answer all your questions.
So don’t try to work it all out on your own—call Melissa at St Paul’s today.
To find out more, call or email Melissa today. p. 1800 960 433 | e. melissa.baker@lutheranservices.org.au
Meet Melissa Baker St Paul’s Client & Community Advisor
Seniors Expo Australia event in March. Photo: Facebook/ seniorexposau
Moreton Bay’s trusted aged care
HAVE you or a loved one recently been approved for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care?
This government initiative offers vital funding for individuals who need additional assistance in their everyday lives, helping them remain independent and comfortable at home.
As an approved Home Care Package provider, Anglicare is there to guide you through the next steps and ensure you receive the care you need. When it comes to choosing the right provider, trust is essential. Anglicare, with over 150 years of experience, is a trusted provider of Home Care Packages. They offer a range of services tailored to clients’ needs, including nursing, allied health, personal care, and social support, with compassion, experience,
and respect.
As Anglicare client Graham explains, “I am really happy with the support I receive from Anglicare.”
“I get my cleaning done every fortnight, the staff at
home, and he’s happy,” she said.
The process of signing up with Anglicare doesn’t have to be difficult, either. As Susan shared, “I found the onboarding and the paperwork quite easy. Our client liaison was very quick to answer our questions and to come out to us.”
and then I go on the bus trips which I thoroughly enjoy.”
His daughter, Susan, adds, “These services have impacted both our lives for the better. I know when the lifestyle outings take place my dad is out and he will ring me when he comes
Anglicare’s standing presence in the community and focus on building genuine relationships ensures that every client is treated with the utmost respect and care.
If you’ve been approved by My Aged Care for a Home Care Package, Anglicare can support you on your next step to receiving the care you need. Call Anglicare today on 1300 610 610, or enquire at anglicaresq.org. au/hcp
Scam smart senior sessions
Somerset Council’s scam awareness events
SOMERSET Regional Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company, will host four Financial Security and Scam Awareness information sessions starting in April.
Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the sessions would provide Somerset seniors with important advice on money management.
“Unfortunately, seniors are the most vulnerable people in the community when it comes to financial security and scams,” Cr Bishop said.
“These sessions will cover strategies to keep money safe with online banking and shopping.
“You will also learn how to identify what a scam looks like and how to
Free COVID and Flu Vaccine Community Vaccine Clinics
Brisbane North PHN with Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) will be providing FREE COVID and FREE FLU vaccines at the community vaccine clinics listed HERE
Community vaccine clinics are free to Medicare and non-Medicare card holders
All ages over 5 yrs welcome. Pre-book your appointment or walk ins welcome. NOTE: Waiting times may apply to walk ins.
covid19@brisbanenorthphn.org.au
avoid being scammed.” Sessions will be held from 10am-12pm with morning tea at the following locations:
· Lowood – Thursday, 3 April, Lowood Library
· Esk – Friday, 11 April, Esk Library
· Fernvale – Wednesday, 30 April, Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
· Toogoolawah –Thursday, 8 May, Alexandra Hall Council will also be hosting its last Dementia
Support Information Sessions this week in Kilcoy on Friday, March 28, at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope Street. Dementia Australia
Community Engagement
Officer Kara Crompton will provide an overview of dementia, information for carers and the services available for support. The session will include a morning tea and Q&A, held 10am-12pm.
Bookings essential. Contact council on 5424 4000
KILCOY: 10AM - 2 PM
Saturday 12 April
Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope Street, Kilcoy
WOODFORD: 10AM - 2 PM
Saturday 29 March and 17 May
Woodford Memorial Hall, 103 Archer Street, Woodford
