The Future of Positive Ageing: Beyond Proactive Care
The Positive Ageing Summit, returning in May 2026, signals a growing momentum towards a future where ageing isn’t simply about extending lifespan, but enhancing healthspan – the period of life spent in good health. This shift, as highlighted by Dr. Natasha Reid of the University of Queensland, focuses on enabling individuals to maintain their strength, autonomy, and connections throughout their later years.
Understanding the ‘Intention-Action Gap’
A core challenge in positive ageing, Dr. Reid explains, is bridging the “intention-action gap.” Many individuals understand the benefits of healthy behaviours – exercise, nutrition, adequate sleep – yet struggle to consistently implement them. This is where behavioural science, and its close relative implementation science, turn into crucial. Behavioural science delves into the ‘why’ behind our actions, while implementation science focuses on creating systems that support sustainable change.
This isn’t simply about individual willpower. It’s about understanding the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence behaviour. For example, a senior wanting to exercise might be hindered by a lack of accessible transportation or fear of falling. Addressing these systemic barriers is as vital as providing motivational speeches.
The Role of Behavioural Science in Aged Care
The impact of behavioural science extends beyond the individual, profoundly affecting the aged care ecosystem. Dr. Reid emphasizes that staff and management behaviours in residential aged care directly influence resident wellbeing. Training programs that incorporate behavioural insights can empower staff to create more supportive and engaging environments.
Consider a care facility struggling with mealtime participation. A behavioural science approach wouldn’t just focus on the nutritional value of the food, but also on the dining environment – lighting, music, seating arrangements, and social interaction. Small changes, informed by behavioural principles, can significantly improve resident engagement and nutritional intake.
A Two-Pronged Approach to Implementation
Successful implementation requires a combined approach. Promising programs developed in clinical trials often falter when scaled up without adequate funding and dedicated implementation support. People need to understand why they are implementing a change, not just what they are doing. This necessitates a focus on both individual behaviour change and systemic redesign.
For instance, introducing a new fall prevention program requires not only training staff on fall risk assessment but also redesigning the physical environment to minimize hazards and providing ongoing support to ensure consistent implementation.
Positive Ageing: A Multifaceted Strategy
Positive ageing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a tailored approach that considers individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. This includes addressing complex needs and frailty, recognizing that interventions must be adapted to suit varying levels of cognitive and physical ability.
The upcoming Positive Ageing Summit will explore these nuances, offering delegates insights into behaviour change strategies for diverse populations. Dr. Reid’s presentation will focus on applying these principles to older and very old adults, including those with complex health conditions.
Did you know? Behaviour is hard to change, but not impossible. Focusing on understanding the underlying factors driving behaviour is the first step towards creating lasting positive change.
Looking Ahead: The Summit and Beyond
The 2026 Positive Ageing Summit aims to build on the momentum of the inaugural event, fostering collaboration between researchers, industry professionals, clinicians, and older adults themselves. The hope is to share successful strategies and address the challenges of implementing aged care reforms.
Early bird tickets are available until March 31, 2026. Secure your place here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ‘healthspan’?
A: Healthspan refers to the portion of your life spent in good health, free from significant illness or disability.
Q: What is implementation science?
A: Implementation science focuses on methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and evidence into routine practice.
Q: How can behavioural science help aged care workers?
A: It can provide strategies to improve communication, build rapport with residents, and create more supportive environments.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Positive Ageing Summit?
A: Visit the Positive Ageing Summit website.
Pro Tip: Small, consistent changes are more likely to lead to lasting results than drastic overhauls. Focus on building positive habits one step at a time.
What are your thoughts on the future of positive ageing? Share your comments below!
