Open day showcases positive ageing

Over 140 friends and clients of a unique integrated aged care site came together last Friday to celebrate the first National Open Day in South Australia.

The Resthaven Paradise campus, which integrates a residential facility, community services and the University of Adelaide Geriatrics and Research in Aged Care (G-TRAC) Centre, hosted an array of community-friendly events to showcase its positive and healthy approach to ageing.

The G-TRAC Centre is the base for University of Adelaide medical students on Geriatrics and General Practice rotations.

The Adelaide G-TRAC Centre coordinator Rosie Bonnins said the majority of people over 65 live independently in the community and the G-TRAC Centre is focused on training from within this setting.

With direct access to residents and clients of the Resthaven Paradise residential and community services, the students gain exposure to the full continuum of aged care.

“Someone with an acute illness sitting in a hospital bed does not represent what ageing is really about,” Ms Bonnins said.

“We’re training students for real life.”

The Open Day highlighted many positive examples of ageing, with a chi ball exercise demonstration and an inspirational address from 2013 Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Maddocks.

Prof Maddocks applauded the campus for its innovative work in aged care and encouraged audiences to continue to challenge stereotypes of ageing.

But the real highlight was the interactive rock and roll show put on by the “feisty and fabulous” 30 piece, over 65s group, The Silverbeats.

“The Silverbeats entertained with gusto, prompting several guests to get up and dance,” Ms Bonnins said.

The Resthaven campus is one of 16 Teaching and Research Aged Care Services (TRACS) across Australia set up by the federal government to strengthen the collaboration between health service providers, aged care providers and universities.

Ms Bonnins said the opening of the G-TRAC in 2013 has transformed Resthaven Paradise into a hub of activity, not just for recipients of residential aged care, but for the wider community.

Click here to learn more about the Adelaide G-TRAC Centre.

Title image: The Silverbeats. CONTRIBUTED.

Full gallery: