National Ageing Research Institute Ltd

26/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty - 2026 Senior Australian of the Year! Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of dementia 🙏

25/01/2026

Today, 26 January, marks the beginning of colonisation in Australia - a history that continues to shape culture, community and health outcomes today.

It is a day for us to reflect and listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, acknowledging their profound pain and honouring their resilience, strength and courage.

Always was, always will be.
https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia

23/01/2026

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as 'International Day of Education', in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

The University of the Third Age (U3A), is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community — those in their third "age" of life. It began in Australia in 1984 and, as of 2023, had grown to 250 U3As with approximately 100,000 members. These are based in metropolitan, regional and rural areas and follow the self-help model of teaching and learning over a wide range of subject areas (dependent upon the membership's own expertise, knowledge and skills).

Each U3A operates independently and takes the needs and interests of their members into consideration when deciding which classes/activities they will offer. U3As offer membership at very low cost so that anyone in their third age (generally those nearing retirement and beyond) can become a member.

U3A Australia (U3AA) is the national body formed by state networks to support all U3As in their state or territory with a range of resources. Find out more by visiting their website: https://u3aaustralia.org.au/

U3A Australia Limited

23/01/2026

NARI is an independent, not-for-profit, medical research institute that has shaped translational research into ageing and aged care since 1976.

Over the past 50 years, our research has improved care, informed policy and supported healthier ageing for millions of older people and those who care for them. However, we need your support to ensure we can continue to lead the next generation of ageing and aged care research, innovation and workforce development.

Please watch the video and click the following link to join Dr Monique Ryan's campaign aimed at ensuring Australian medical research continues to save Australian lives:
➡️ https://www.moniqueryan.com.au/medical_research_matters

22/01/2026

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞? 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝-𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞?

Monash University would like your help to pilot new resources that aim to support and empower people with dementia, their carers and healthcare professionals to make well-informed choices about medications for managing urinary incontinence. These new resources have been developed together with the individuals who will use the resources to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Healthcare professionals are currently being recruited to pilot the resources in their routine practice. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this project, please email Dr Amanda Cross at amanda.cross@monash.edu.

19/01/2026

Thinking about climbing a ladder? Take a moment first to think again.

As we age, balance, strength, co-ordination and reaction time can change - and that makes everyday tasks like reaching a high shelf or cleaning gutters a bit riskier. Changes to eyesight or vision, fatigue, dizziness or joint pain can also increase risk.

Before using a ladder, older people (and all of us, to be honest!) can stay safer by checking:
❓ Do I feel steady today?
❓ Am I wearing enclosed, slip-resistant shoes?
❓ Is the task essential or can it wait?
❓ Is the ladder stable, undamaged and on level ground?
❓ Is the weather looking dry and not windy/stormy?
❓ Is there someone nearby who can help or spot me?
❓ Is there a safer alternative? e.g. long‑handled tools, step stools with rails, or asking for assistance)

A few extra seconds of risk‑checking can prevent serious injuries and keep independence strong. For more tips on ladder safety, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/ladder-safety

Let’s support safer choices - for ourselves, our families and our communities.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-15/doctors-urge-caution-ladder-falls-ageing/106204082

Thousands of people present to Australian hospitals each year for ladder and roof falls, with doctors urging caution — particularly for ageing Australians.

16/01/2026

🎉 We have some fabulous news to end the working week - NARI Community Advisory Panel (CAP) member, Robyn Abrahams, has been appointed to the 2026 Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Aged Care Council of Elders! Well done on your appointment, Robyn, which is wonderful recognition of your experience and commitment to improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life of older Australians.

👏 We would also like to acknowledge fellow CAP member, Gwenda Darling, as an outgoing member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. Gwenda has made an invaluable contribution to the Council over the past 2 years, sharing her expertise and advocacy to shape aged care policy and practice, in particular, supporting the Government throughout the implementation of the new Aged Care Act in 2025. Well done, Gwenda, on your monumental achievements in this important role.

You can read the government's official media announcement regarding the 2026 Aged Care Council of Elders here:

The Australian Government has appointed nine new members to the Aged Care Council of Elders as it enters its fifth year providing advice and unique perspectives on the experience of older Australians in aged care.

16/01/2026

✨ 𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐈 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 ✨

Earlier this week, NARI's Executive Leadership Team and members of our Board came together at Guide Dogs Victoria in Kew for a productive two‑day strategy retreat.

Together, the group reflected on our 2025 achievements and challenges, before mapping the organisation's progress against the first year of our 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. The focus then turned to our 2026 priorities and exploring research directions in ageing and aged care as well as future opportunities that will support us to achieve our strategic objectives.

The retreat reinforced NARI's shared commitment to improving the lives of older people through impactful research, collaboration and innovation. We’re excited for the year ahead in 2026 - a year where we celebrate our 50th anniversary - and are grateful for the dedication and leadership of everyone involved 💙💚

14/01/2026

13/01/2026

The latest statistics from the Australian Government Centre for Population’s 2025 Population Statement are a timely reminder of why NARI's work building evidence to improve health and aged care systems, policies and practices which promote health, wellbeing and quality of life for older people is so important.

🔎 To read the statement, visit: https://population.gov.au/publications/statements/2025-population-statement

💡 To find out more about NARI, visit: https://www.nari.net.au/

Is the makeup of Australia changing?

A new report shows the population of people aged over 85 is set to grow by a massive 506 per cent over the next few decades. To put that in perspective, that’s 1.9 million people—roughly the size of South Australia’s entire population today.

As the birth rate hits record lows and life expectancy grows, experts are warning of increased pressure on health and aged care services.

How do you feel about Australia getting "older"? Is our society doing enough to value and support its seniors, or are we being left behind?

See the stats changing Australia:

12/01/2026

Join the call from Dr Monique Ryan, Australian Medical Research Institutes and thousands of Australians for the Federal Government to release the full Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Email your local MP using the link below to call for the full $1 billion annual distribution of the MRFF in the 2026–27 Federal Budget. Your message goes directly to your representative – and you can personalise it to share why medical research matters to you: https://aamri.org.au/mrff/

Nine in 10 Australian researchers had their “ideas grant” applications rejected last year, even as Australia’s medical investment fund sits on $5 billion more than it was designed to hold.

06/01/2026

🔥 Heatwave Alert: Protect Older Australians! 🔥

Did you know heatwaves kill more people in Australia than any other natural disaster?
Older people are most at risk due to health conditions, social isolation, and housing factors. With much of Australia set to swelter over the next three days, it’s time to act.

✅ What can you do?

- Check in on older family, friends, and neighbours.
- Keep cool: Fans, air conditioning, or ice vests if AC isn’t an option.
- Hydrate & dress light: Encourage water and loose clothing.
- Cool down: Take cool showers or baths.
- Find cool spaces: Libraries, shopping centres, and community hubs can be lifesavers.
- Know the signs of heat stress:
- Raised body temperature
- Nausea, tiredness, heavy sweating
- Poor coordination
- If symptoms escalate (dizziness, confusion, hot dry skin, convulsions) call 000 immediately.

💙 Spread the word. Share this post. Together, we can save lives.

👉 NARI is investigating how older Victorians use cooling centres during heatwaves. Learn more:
🔗 Cooling Centres Project

NARI is leading a project funded by the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation to undertake research in understanding the use and perceptions of cooling centres (air-conditioned facilities e.g. libraries, community centres, cinemas) for older Victorians, and explore how older Victorians perceive health-r...