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Aging Society and Elder Care

Professor Davina Porock

Centre for Research in Aged Care

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Edith Cowan University, Australia

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Impact on � older people

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Situation in Australia

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Why?

Falling birth rate

Falling mortality rate

Education, nutrition, safety, housing
Medicines – vaccinations, antibiotics, preventative care
Environmental changes – water, sewerage, land management, mosquitoes, health promotion

Better

Geographically spread families

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Policy Response

UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030

“Adding life to years”

https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/

Frailty and Dementia

Ageism and Elder Abuse

End-of-life planning and care

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Frailty or frailty syndrome refers to a state of health in which older adults gradually lose their bodies' in-built reserves and functioning. This makes them more vulnerable, less able to recover and even apparently minor events (infections, environmental changes) can have drastic impacts on their physical and mental health.

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Dementia

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning. There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body disease. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.

Home | Dementia Australia

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For Public Health impact:�focus on FRAILTY

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9 October 2025 – Ageism Awareness Day �Building Strong Support for Elders

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Risks for elder abuse Protection against abuse

Getting older
Having physical or cognitive disability, including trouble seeing or hearing
Not having enough support
Having mental health problems
Being socially isolated
Living in inappropriate accommodation
Misusing alcohol or drugs
Financial situation increasing risk

Stay socially connected
Maintain independence
Stay healthy – physically, emotionally, and mentally
Decide what you what to happen if you become frail or very sick – advance planning
Discuss your wishes with trusted family and friends
Get advice on legal documents
Be aware of your financial position

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Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care

We don’t need ACP we come from a collectivist society (not an individualistic one).

I don’t want to ‘tempt fate’

My family will look after me

Mistrust of health systems

particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups

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But life is changing for everyone…

Smaller families
Geographically spread
More complex decisions due to advances in medical care

Made more complex by

Increasing longevity
Increasing frailty and dementia

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Prevention of frailty is the key and central to Public Health policy

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5 Ms Framework	Multidisciplinary Focus
Mind	Maintaining mental activity Helping manage dementia (a decline in memory or mental abilities making daily living difficult Helping treat and prevent delirium (an abrupt, rapid change in mental functioning beyond typical forgetfulness of ageing) Evaluate and treat depression
Mobility	Maintaining the ability to walk and/or maintain balance Preventing falls and other types of common injuries
Medications	Reducing polypharmacy through deprescribing Helping build awareness of harmful medication effects
Multicomplexity	Helping manage a variety of health conditions Assessing living conditions when impacted by age, health conditions and social concerns
Matters most	Coordinating advance care planning Helping manage goals of care Making sure that individual, personally meaningful health outcomes, and preferences are reflected in treatment and care plans