mental health

Despite some key milestones since 2000, Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality

Australia has a gender problem. Despite social, economic and political reform aimed at improving opportunities for women, gender gaps are…

‘Breaking point’: Peak psychiatry body warns of ‘growing cracks’ in mental health system

Vulnerable Australians are at risk of falling through “growing cracks” in the mental health system as the country’s peak psychiatry…

Don’t Demention It: How one rural support group grew into something bigger

In a rural farming community like ours, where resources can sometimes feel out of reach, the need for support networks…

Can a purple humanoid with Disney charm help combat the country’s loneliness epidemic?

In an Australian first, aged care provider mecwacare, has teamed up with home-grown robotics companyAndromeda, to bring new age companionship…

“Vile, dehumanising and unacceptable”: NSW Health employees investigated for antisemitic video

Two Sydney nurses have been stood down after disturbing footage emerged of the pair saying they would “kill” and refuse to…

Dementia-prevention program could be rolled out nationally: Aus study

Australian researchers have shown that delivering lifestyle intervention programs to older people remotely, results in "significantly better cognition." The Maintain…

Undervalued and alone: Report on social isolation

As we celebrate the 'most wonderful time of the year' it is important to remember that many people within the…

STI rates are increasing among midlife and older adults. We need to talk about it

Globally, the rates of common sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing among people aged over 50. In some cases, rates…

Falls cause 43% of injury hospitalisations. Here’s how to better predict and prevent them

Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisation in Australia, costing the public health system billions of dollars each year.…

4 out of 5 older Australians would prefer not to go into residential aged care: Survey

Older Australians are suffering from significant aged-care anxiety, with most preferring to stay in their family home, a new survey…

New telehealth cart keeps residents connected

An innovative telehealth cart is bringing families closer together at The Good Shepherd Home, in Townsville, especially for crucial conversations…

‘National scandal’: Only 1-in-100 rentals are affordable for essential workers

Barely one-in-100 rentals in Australia are affordable for the average nurse, construction worker, early childhood educator or hospitality worker. Anglicare Australia…

Both paid and unpaid carers sacrifice their own wellbeing, data shows

Concerning figures have been released regarding the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of the nation's carers. The Palliative Care Australia…

Govt still ‘going through’ damning menopause report

Health Minister Mark Butler has declined to say how the government intends to respond to a damning report that found…

What to ask after “Are you OK?”

Breaking the stigma around mental illness requires us to make mental health a part of our everyday conversations. Talking about…

Breaking the silence in men’s health

Contrary to what most men believe, their bodies aren’t bulletproof. As men age, the body does indeed change. The most…

Queenslanders’ petition for compassionate assisted dying

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws have been passed in all Australian states and territories with the exception of the Northern…

Is it OK to lie to someone with dementia?

Steve Macfarlane, Monash University There was disagreement on social media recently after a story was published about an aged care…

Older people’s risk of abuse is rising. Can an ad campaign protect them?

Joseph Ibrahim, La Trobe University Elder abuse is an emerging public health and safety issue for communities of high-income countries.…

Research shows value of subsidising exercise classes for older people

A new study has found that subsidised exercise classes can improve the physical and mental health of older Australians, as…

You Are ACE! ACCPA Excellence Awards celebrates aged care employees

The Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) wants every Australian aged care worker to know that You are ACE! Aged…

Our research shows 4 in 10 Australians in aged care are malnourished. What can we do about it?

Jonathan Foo, Monash University and Marie-Claire O'Shea, Griffith University In the next 40 years in Australia, it’s predicted the number…

The right to disconnect is coming to Australia. What does this mean for you?

John L. Hopkins, Swinburne University of Technology This month, changes to the Australian Fair Work Act will give workers the…

Saying “Ciao!” to everyone – New social inclusion initiative arrives in Australia

An international digital project designed to restore a sense of community in residential aged care homes is being piloted in…

10 signs of adverse events and psychotropic medicines

In a bid to empower carers and minimise drug-related harm in older people, a recent study by Monash University has…