How To Have A Healthy Ageing Brain (2011)

Positive Ageing Forum:  24 October 2011
Older Persons' Mental Health Service
Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Services
 

Back row: Prof. Henry Brodaty, Rob Robson, Audrey McCallum, Prof. Gavin Andrew, Joy Hruby and Prof. Brian Draper
Front row:  Dorothy De Low

It is commonly reported, more people are living longer and proportionately fewer are dying from heart disease. However as we see an increase in the ageing population, more people will become susceptible to age-associated degenerative diseases and disabilities, such as dementia.

Providing guidance and advice on good brain health and function in ageing, Professor Henry Brodaty, staff and members of the Consumer Consultative Committee of the Aged Care Psychiatry Service at Prince of Wales Hospital, arranged a free public forum - How to Have a Healthy Ageing Brain, which brought together experts, guest speakers and exemplars of good health, healthy ageing and dementia.  Held Monday, 24 October 2011, the forum proved very successful in providing over 200 members of the community who attended, with current advice and information on nutrition, exercise, brain and memory activities and ways to age positively by making appropriate choices in their daily lives.

The forum hosted a range of experts, guest speakers and panel of active ageing exemplars the team arranged to have present at the forum. Each provided an effective and health-focused approach on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and promoted physical and mental activities as tools for a healthy ageing brain.

The forum's expert speakers included: Paula Goodyer, health columnist, Sydney Morning Herald, Silvana Deep from AIM for Fitness, Dr Nicole Kochan, psychologist, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Dr Sarah Visser, Aged Care Psychiatry Service, POWH; as well as Professor Brodaty AO, Professor Brian Draper, Aged Care Psychiatry Service, POWH and Professor Gavin Andrews AO, St Vincent?s Hospital and University of New South Wales.

Guest speakers included entertainment and TV legends Joy Hruby and Robina Beard; as well as centenarian international table tennis champion Dorothy De Low OAM.

The panel of exemplars of active ageing discussed information on local services and social networks for over 60's; and an impressive tap dancing performance by the Coast Centre for Seniors.