Aged Care Online

Find an aged care home for you!
Call My Care Path on 1300 197 230

You're only as old as you feel in Western Australia

on Monday, March 31, 2014

A recent survey has revealed Western Australians are conflicted over what age signifies senior citizenship.

The research, commissioned by West Australia’s largest not-for-profit aged care provider, the Bethanie Group, indicates as we get older, we become increasingly reluctant to accept senior status.

One in ten under 35s believe becoming a senior happens between the ages of 50 and 55, yet one fifth of over 55s said they don’t identify as ‘senior’ until their 70th birthday.

The results of the survey were released during Bethanie’s 60th anniversary, an all-day affair with various entertainment, speeches and a Nintendo Wii competition.

Bethanie acting chief executive Christopher How said the results of the research reflect the positive attitudes of today's seniors.

“You’re only as old as what you think you are and I think there is a big shift in seniors wanting to maintain their vitality,” Mr How said.

The official age to be able to obtain a Seniors Card in WA is 60 years, which Mr How believed, by today’s standards, is very young.

He said with more people living longer, the perception of ageing has altered. So too, should our views of aged care.

“A lot of the community think aged care is about that last step where you hit the wooden box and get put in the ground.

“We do provide that support at the end of the road, but there’s a lot of life to live before you get to it,” Mr How said.

As a part of the Bethanie 60th anniversary celebrations, Rugby WA Strength and Conditioning Coach Louis Dallimore spoke to audiences on the importance of remaining healthy and active all throughout life.

Mr Dallimore likened physical fitness to superannuation – invest while you’re young and benefit into the future.

“Adding a few simple exercise techniques to our daily routines could be all it takes,” he said.

Over 55s aerobics group, The Prime Movers, demonstrated the benefits of an active lifestyle as they impressed audience members with their stamina on stage.

“I was building up a sweat just looking at them,” Mr How said of the performance.

He said Bethanie also places strong emphasis on mental wellness, through engaging activities that promote a sense of community.

This can be as simple as offering cooking classes to a resident who has never learned how to cook.

For many older people, one partner in a relationship usually takes care of certain tasks, and when they die it can leave the other feeling inadequate.

“With engagement comes a feeling of community, and our programs promote that, whether it’s cooking, aromatherapy or zumba.

“We make sure we don’t see our seniors as frail but rather as people that want to function in society, and we provide them the support to do so."

Image: Bethanie 60th Anniversary speakers and guests. From left, Alcock, Dallimore, Honey, Scaffidi, How, Cameron, Oxford and James.

Bupa Home Page