The program began in Albury at Charles Sturt University, where older adults were directly engaged to identify what mattered most to them. \u201cI just want to stay independent,\u201d<\/em> shared Brian. Elizabeth explained, \u201cI don\u2019t want to be a burden on anyone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These early insights shaped the program\u2019s goal: to support older people in staying strong, thinking clearly, and feeling socially connected while living at home for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pilot results were encouraging. Participants reported increased confidence physically, mentally, and socially. For many, the program prompted reflection on daily routines and sparked renewed interest in connecting with others. Tom remarked, \u201cIt\u2019s boosted my confidence about being more social,\u201d<\/em> while Jan added, the program \u201cMade me think about how I do things at home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking It Rural<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With support from the HCF Foundation, the program expanded to test its effectiveness in real-world rural settings. Partnerships were established with three rural health services: a public outpatient team, a private allied health practice, and a community-based aged care provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each service delivered the program with some variation; some were led by experienced allied health professionals, while others were facilitated by aged care staff, supported remotely by allied health professionals, but the outcomes were consistently positive. Participants across all sites reported improvements in mobility, memory, and mood. Just as importantly, many did not want the program to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEspecially when they said they didn\u2019t want it to stop,\u201d<\/em> said Jackie, an aged care worker who facilitated the sessions, \u201cit made us feel good that we\u2019d made a difference in their life.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training Rural Workforces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To address rural workforce shortages, the program was designed as an allied health professional-led initiative with an alternative delivery model allowing aged care workers to implement the program with remote support from allied health professionals. This flexible, online training approach enables organisations without onsite allied health staff to deliver the program, offering a sustainable solution to rural workforce challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe training was really clear and easy to follow,\u201d<\/em> noted Sam, a health professional. \u201cThe videos and handouts helped us feel confident to run the sessions, even if we hadn\u2019t done something like this before,\u201d<\/em> added Ash, an aged care worker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supporting Ageing in Place<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At its core, Wellness 2 Age supports older people in doing what matters most: getting out of the house, spending time with friends, engaging in community life, and staying safe and independent at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alice reflected, \u201cMy self-esteem was enhanced because I [previously] spent a lot of time alone. I\u2019d stop and think about everything that I do to be safe. I haven\u2019t had to think about myself so much since doing the program, and [now] I\u2019ve enjoyed going out and visiting people and that, which is something I hadn\u2019t done for a long time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs like Wellness 2 Age demonstrate the value of place-based, evidence-informed approaches that address the realities of ageing in rural communities. With the right policy settings, such programs can be scaled and sustained, ensuring that older people, regardless of where they live, have access to meaningful opportunities to stay active, connected, and independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more at: https:\/\/wellness2age.csu.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n \r\n From the far reaches of Cape York to the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island, Angel Flight is proud to have Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n At the Whyalla Hospital\u2019s foyer every weekday morning, greetings & conversation hums between customers and volunteers, at a booth located Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Tresna is \u00a075 years old and resides in Deniliquin, an idyllic country town (MM4) in southern New South Wales, nestled Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n For many older people in rural Australia, staying connected, physically active, and mentally sharp can be challenging. Long distances, fewer Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n ![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/91-angelflight-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Angel Flight: Bridging the distance for elderly Australians in the bush <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Margaret](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/91-margaret-shambrook-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \u201cI Still Want to Keep Running\u201d: A rural life of purpose and persistence <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Student](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/91-aged-care-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \u201cLive and Learn\u201d – Harnessing the teaching power of residents in aged care homes. <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/91-wellness2age-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Staying Strong, Staying Home: How one program is helping rural older Australians age well <\/a>\r\n\r\n