The Ageing Ideal

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 of Life” James Bailey, Lea Symonds a prison system advocate, and CEO of Meaningful Aging Australia, Rachel Wass.  

From their diverse perspectives on life, career and ageing, she invites them to reflect on purpose, self-worth, connection and the practices that help people find strength, joy and meaning. 

From reflection and gratitude to community, creativity and nature, the conversation reveals that our search for meaning is not fixed — it evolves across the many chapters of our lives. 

It’s a thoughtful, hopeful look at ageing and the personal journeys that help us understand what truly matters.

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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 how we live.

Professor David Currow reframes what a “good death” can mean, while clinician Esther McMillan Drendel and death doula Dina Symington share how support and presence transform the end of life experience.

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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 their home.  

Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s most trusted psychologists and author of the book Grandparents and joins Jacinta to reflect on how grand parenting today is vastly different to previous generations of grandparents.  

Jacinta also speaks with Ann McLeish who is the Director of Grandparents Victoria to discuss what rights grandparents hold, how they can communicate those boundaries with some grace and some confidence. 

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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 episode of The Ageing Ideal, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr. Anita Goh to distinguish between the experience of loneliness versus solitude and also author and columnist for the Sunday Life Magazine Kerri Sackville about ways to embrace solitude.  Jacinta also visits the Strathmore Mens Shed and chats to elders about how to prepare for being alone and support others who are. 

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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 explores the dignity of risk with gerontologist Professor Joseph Ibrahim and COTA CEO Pat Sparrow and speaks with elders about their approach to risk, autonomy and decision-making and why wrapping people in cotton wool is not the answer. 

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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 Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences.

Jacinta also goes to the coalface and talks to a group of older men and women who understand firsthand the benefits exercise and an active lifestyle have on their independence and wellbeing.

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

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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 pragmatism and optimism, Anita provides insight into The Ageing Paradox, debunks some misconceptions about ageing and opens the door to the opportunity to change the prevailing narrative about life in later years.

Jacinta also talks with Ian Braybrook and Mazza Bennett, broadcasters and owners of Radio 88FM for Seniors in Castlemaine.  They discuss resilience and living with a sense of purpose in their community. 

Liz Hicklin is one of a kind.  As energetic and excited about life as one could be, Liz says her life began at 90.  And at 94, with plenty of challenges in her pocketful of memories, she’s still trying things she’s never done before and leading a full life.

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 system, what is and isn't working, and how best to move the sector forward.

Throughout the conversation, it's clear that both Andrew and Fonda have an incredibly strong commitment to the values by which Unitng AgeWell operate, but also due to their personal experiences.

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NOTE On 4 June 2025, the Australian Government postponed the implementation of the new Aged Care Act 2024 and its associated reforms to 1 November 2025.  This podcast episode was recorded prior to that announcement and references the original 1 July 2025 commencement date.

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The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for her husband John, 89, as his dementia progressed and the impact on both of them after moving John into aged care.

Additionally, you'll hear from Meagan Thomas, Director of Home Care Services at Uniting AgeWell and Jo Wood, Senior Social Worker of the 'Residential Aged Care Well-Being' program at Care Guidance. Both women provide an on-the-ground, carers' perspective and a view from aged care leadership about enhancing the experience for all parties in the system.

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, who took on the task of brightening the garden in the aged care facility, his wife Margaret was at. This act of love turned into Merv taking on many volunteering roles at the home, which both he and the residents absolutely loved. Merv is a delight and a sterling example of making the most of your time, energy and efforts in later life. 

You'll also hear from 81-year-old Loretta Simmons OAM. She's a host on Golden Days radio and her commitment to community service throughout the years has seen her awarded with an OAM. A remarkable woman with a zest for life and a busy schedule, not much keep Loretta down.

Both stories reveal that choosing to carry on moving, volunteering and turning up is the best way to age your way. 

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWellby:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 anyone who wants to know more about how we can live and age well and shape the future of aged care in Australia. Through thought-provoking and insightful conversations, The Ageing Ideal aims to dispel a few myths, challenge some preconceptions and provide a more positive outlook on ageing, aged care and the services that can bring joy and make life easier.

The Ageing Ideal releases episodes monthly, so hit Follow now wherever you listen to podcasts, and make sure you don't miss an episode.

The Ageing Ideal is produced for Uniting AgeWell by:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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