Dr Norman Swan, physician, broadcaster and author, was the keynote speaker and MC for the day. The event was opened by Senator Tony Sheldon, Senator for NSW, and provided a platform to highlight and acknowledge the crucial role that primary healthcare plays in keeping people healthy and happy as they age, so that they can remain at home for as long as possible.

We know that more than one in every three general practice visits are now with people aged 65 years and over. This is because the healthcare needs of older people can be complex, with one in two people over 65 years experiencing multiple chronic conditions, as well as increased health risks.

The critical importance of social connections and agency for older people as they age, was a key theme throughout the conference. Funding received through the Department of Health and Aged Care has allowed us to invest in social connection and social prescribing initiatives such as Wellbeing Connectors, Health Connectors, Pharmacy Connectors, Community Connectors, Connector Points and Intergenerational Programs. These early intervention programs improve older people’s social networks and by extension - their physical and mental wellbeing, allowing them to stay healthier for longer.

The concept of social prescribing, which is a healthcare approach where health professionals, such as GPs, refer patients to community-based activities and services to improve their health and wellbeing was highlighted. We are proud to be leading this work across the region with the Intergenerational and Connector Programs proving successful. While initial funding investments have been a step in the right direction, it’s important to emphasise the need for sustainable and predicable funding in the healthy ageing space. Otherwise, programs come and go, and the community can’t rely on them.

I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in the success of the day, especially our guest speakers. Your valuable insights and expertise enriched our discussions and helped make this event a success. A special mention needs to go to the Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee, which is made up of local clinicians, members of the community, and representatives from residential aged care homes, NSW Ambulance and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, who helped inform the topics covered on the day.

To learn more about the programs and supports available for older people in the Nepean Blue Mountains region, visit our website.

From L to R: Janice Peterson - Manager, Healthy Ageing & Palliative Care, Wentworth Healthcare, Kate Tye - Executive Manager Primary Care Development, Wentworth Healthcare, Senator Tony Sheldon - Senator for NSW, Lizz Reay - CEO, Wentworth Healthcare, MC and Keynote Speaker Dr. Norman Swan - Physician, Broadcaster and Author.