With social distancing continuing to have a significant impact despite the easing of restrictions in some areas, the Global Centre for Modern Ageing has launched an information portal (gcma.net.au/portal) brimming with tips and links to help older people to stay healthy, connected and active.
Dubbed the “Modern Ageing Portal”, the online resource aims to help older people cut through the noise and serves as a one stop shop to find trusted information during the COVID-19 restrictions and beyond.
“There is a plethora of information on the internet, but much is of varying quality or not of interest to older people,” said the chief executive of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, Julianne Parkinson.
“Our free portal has curated trusted information that older people can access with the click of a button. We have designed the portal to have intergenerational appeal and believe that people of all ages will find it useful.”
Ms Parkinson said the Global Centre for Modern Ageing was launching the online portal on the back of research showing that technology use is increasing among older Australians, with more than one in five people (21 percent) aged over 60 engaging in a new technology since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We also know from our research that more than half of older Australians (57 percent) have feelings of concern regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, and nearly half – 46 percent – are concerned about their physical wellbeing,” Ms Parkinson said.
“We have kept these findings top of mind in building the portal to best meet the needs of older people during this unprecedented time in history.”
The easy-to-navigate Modern Ageing Portal is broken into five categories:
Food and nutrition
Health and Wellbeing
Physical Activity
Social Connection
Work and E-learning
“Visitors can do everything from finding the latest recipes, to jumping in and getting tips on using Zoom,” Ms Parkinson said. “We hope this curated site will help people to stay connected, and that it will continue to have relevance after the pandemic.”
Recent research from the Global Centre for Modern Ageing showed that despite the restrictions and changes brought about by COVID-19, more than half of older Australians (51 percent) believe some positive changes have emerged from the outbreak.
The centre’s national survey of more than 1,350 people found nearly one in five Australians (19 percent) aged over 60 believe that social cohesion and wellbeing are likely positive outcomes from COVID-19 in Australia.
The Global Centre for Modern Ageing research highlighted that while many older people faced significant challenges – including limited contact with their grandchildren – they also felt that there had been improved community spirit, and that people were increasingly keeping in touch with others and being more neighbourly.
“We know technology has played a big role in this – our research shows 29 percent of older Australians have increased their social media use to stay connected,” said Ms Parkinson. “We expect this trend will lead to permanent change.”
To explore the Modern Ageing Portal, please see gcma.net.au/portal.
