Research involving older Australians on the NSW Mid North Coast highlights that healthy ageing goes beyond clinical care. Older people value spaces where they can connect with others, learn new skills, feel safe and remain active contributors to their communities.

Led by Dr Patricia Mackey from Charles Sturt University, the ‘Wellbeing Connect 4 Seniors Interprofessional Wellbeing Clinic’ project engaged 79 older people, carers and industry representatives to explore the best university-based health and wellbeing model for regional communities.

Participants described wellbeing as encompassing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. They highlighted the importance of social connection, preventative care, counselling and allied health services, while also identifying personal, home, cyber and digital safety as key concerns.

The research also found strong community support for a collaborative wellbeing clinic that brings together different health and social care professionals. Such a model could provide older adults with accessible support while helping build the regional allied health workforce.

The findings support a community-focused approach to healthy ageing that addresses loneliness, social isolation and safety concerns while helping older people maintain independence, wellbeing and meaningful connections within their communities.

Source: https://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/research-provides-a-model-for-a-wellbeing-clinic-for-older-people-on-the-nsw-mid-north-coast