The Future of Ageing Well: Inspire, Motivate, Innovate, was the theme of the 55^th Australian Association of Gerontology Conference (AAG), held at the Adelaide Convention Centre 22-25 November 2022. The AAG aims to improve the experience of ageing through connecting research, policy, and practice.

The National Conference attracted a large audience, with presenters and participants from across Australia and New Zealand enjoying the opportunity to come together to share in a variety of inspirational sessions.

Jenny Esots who lives outside the Adelaide metropolitan region, was one of two older community delegates supported to attend the conference by South Australian AAG and Office for Ageing Well, SA Health. Jenny provided her perspectives about a range of innovative research and project work from across Australia, showcased at the conference.

Jenny attended the exceptional keynote address by Sophie Thompson, who spoke about the value of gardening and the merits of ‘Vitamin N – Nature’. Sophie cited research indicating that participants had increased cognition and memory, improved mood and better attention spans when involved in gardening. Her address also captured information about the power of green spaces in reducing depression and as places of sanctuary. The benefits of Community Gardens in fostering intergenerational relationships were also highlighted.

Jenny reflected that ‘Much of the research presented on combating loneliness illustrates the benefits of social connections, volunteering and communal projects,’ which aligns with her area of interest – why people become socially isolated and how to identify barriers to being active in the community.

Jenny attended sessions demonstrating research that is contributing to collective knowledge of the value of social connection. These included a strengths-based intergenerational communal lunch project, assisting older people to build confidence and social connections through sharing meals at a local cafe.

A photography project highlighted the value of building new skills and revitalising previous abilities. Participants living in residential aged care were provided with cameras and used their creative talents to focus on different themes each week. Participants reportedly experienced beneficial outcomes in dexterity, cognition, creativity and increasing social and physical activity.

A local government model for supporting people to prepare Advance Care Directives in SA through peer volunteers was also showcased.

Jenny reported that one of the most enlightening studies was research on the links between social isolation, ageism, and self-stigmatisation, where older people devalue themselves and their contributions. Exploration through this research aligns well with the work of Office for Ageing Well in tackling ageism, identified as a fundamental supporting condition of implementing South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025.

Jenny reflected that she felt fortunate to attend three days of the conference which provided opportunities to enrich her knowledge and meet a range of people.

For further information about the Australian Association of Gerontology, visit www.aag.asn.au.