The aged care sector has faced acute challenges in the last few years, with COVID further exposing cracks in the system and deepening a Royal Commission which was already underway. 

In this episode, Jacinta Parsons talks to Andrew Kinnersly, Uniting AgeWell Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Fonda Voukelatos , to get a deeper understanding of the aged care system, what is and isn't working, and how best to move the sector forward.

Throughout the conversation, it's clear that both Andrew and Fonda have an incredibly strong commitment to the values by which Unitng AgeWell operate, but also due to their personal experiences.

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NOTE On 4 June 2025, the Australian Government postponed the implementation of the new Aged Care Act 2024 and its associated reforms to 1 November 2025.  This podcast episode was recorded prior to that announcement and references the original 1 July 2025 commencement date.

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The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell by:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The aged care sector has faced acute challenges in the last few years, with COVID further exposing cracks in the system and deepening a Royal Commission which was already underway.&nbsp; In this episode, Jacinta Parsons talks to&nbsp;Andrew Kinnersly,&nbsp;Uniting AgeWell Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive,&nbsp;Fonda Voukelatos ,&nbsp;to get a deeper understanding of the aged care system, what is and isn't working, and how best to move the sector forward. Throughout the conversation, it's clear that both Andrew and Fonda have an incredibly strong commitment to the values by which Unitng AgeWell operate, but also due to their&nbsp;personal experiences. ----- NOTE&nbsp;On 4 June 2025, the Australian Government postponed the implementation of the new Aged Care Act 2024 and its associated reforms to 1 November 2025. &nbsp;This podcast episode was recorded prior to that announcement and references the original 1 July 2025 commencement date. ----- &nbsp; The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for <a href="https://www.unitingagewell.org/">Uniting AgeWell </a>by: <a href="soundcartel.com.au">SoundCartel</a> +61 3 9882 8333See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

It’s not how old you are but how you are old that matters. Well, since a roadmap and some sage advice would be helpful, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons guides you through the Ageing Ideal podcast series, which explores the warts and all perspectives and experiences of older people, their families, carers and other experts in the sector.

This podcast is for anyone who wants to know more about how we can live and age well and shape the future of aged care in Australia. Through thought-provoking and insightful conversations, The Ageing Ideal aims to dispel a few myths, challenge some preconceptions and provide a more positive outlook on ageing, aged care and the services that can bring joy and make life easier.

The Ageing Ideal podcast launches on Wednesday 12th February! Hit Follow now to make sure you don't miss an episode. 

 

 

The Ageing Ideal is produced for Uniting AgeWell by:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

The Ageing Ideal

We’re all ageing; it’s one of life’s greatest privileges.

The Ageing Ideal is not just another podcast about ageing. Each episode brings together people from all walks of life, their experience and asks questions to ignite a new conversation about getting older and how we can break down barriers.

We’re delighted to bring you Season Two, where the conversation gets even more interesting.

With our host, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, we challenge the perception that older people need to be wrapped in cotton wool. We discuss love at any age, grand parenting, the concept of joy and ask the question, what would we say to our younger self in the episode Dear younger me.

Hit Follow now to make sure you don't miss an episode!     

 

We&rsquo;re all ageing; it&rsquo;s one of life&rsquo;s greatest privileges.
The Ageing Ideal is not just another podcast about ageing. Each episode brings together people from all walks of life, their experience and asks questions to ignite a new conversation about getting older and how we can break down barriers.
We&rsquo;re delighted to bring you Season Two, where the conversation gets even more interesting.
With our host, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, we challenge the perception that older people need to be wrapped in cotton wool. We discuss love at any age, grand parenting, the concept of joy and ask the question, what would we say to our younger self in the episode Dear younger me.
Hit Follow now to make sure you don't miss an episode!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
&nbsp;

The good, the bad and the unspoken

As we age, risk-taking becomes a conscious consideration. While caution often increases and those around us may encourage it, older adults still have the right to take risks.

Yet ignoring the challenges of ageing can have serious consequences. Finding the right balance is crucial, but it raises the question of who ultimately decides. 

In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, host Jacinta Parsons explores the dignity of risk with gerontologist Professor Joseph Ibrahim and COTA CEO Pat Sparrow and speaks with elders about their approach to risk, autonomy and decision-making and why wrapping people in cotton wool is not the answer. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we age, risk-taking becomes a conscious consideration. While caution often increases and those around us may encourage it, older adults still have the right to take risks.
Yet ignoring the challenges of ageing can have serious consequences. Finding the right balance is crucial, but it raises the question of who ultimately decides.&nbsp;
In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, host Jacinta Parsons explores the dignity of risk with gerontologist Professor Joseph Ibrahim and COTA CEO Pat Sparrow and speaks with elders about their approach to risk, autonomy and decision-making and why wrapping people in cotton wool is not the answer.&nbsp;
See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Don't wrap me in cotton wool

You can be strong at any age. While it takes effort and commitment, are there limits to the physical activity and exercise we can do to keep our mind and body strong? Is it ever too late to start?

To find out, podcast host Jacinta Parsons is talking to Professor Alan Hayes, Assistant Dean, Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Victoria University and Deputy Director of the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences.

Jacinta also goes to the coalface and talks to a group of older men and women who understand firsthand the benefits exercise and an active lifestyle have on their independence and wellbeing.

 

 

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell by:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can be strong at any age. While it takes effort and commitment, are there limits to the physical activity and exercise we can do to keep our mind and body strong? Is it ever too late to start? To find out, podcast host Jacinta Parsons is talking to Professor Alan Hayes, Assistant Dean, Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Victoria University and Deputy Director of the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences. Jacinta also goes to the coalface and talks to a group of older men and women who understand firsthand the benefits exercise and an active lifestyle have on their independence and wellbeing. &nbsp; &nbsp; The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for <a href="https://www.unitingagewell.org/">Uniting AgeWell </a>by: <a href="soundcartel.com.au">SoundCartel</a> +61 3 9882 8333See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Strong at any age

Wellbeing, happiness, joy...

Once considered to diminish as people age, research is showing the contrary - that ageing, even when it brings physical or cognitive decline, can deliver an uptick in overall quality of life.  It is referred to as The Ageing Paradox.

In this episode, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr Anita Goh, Associate Professor at the National Ageing Research Institute.  With pragmatism and optimism, Anita provides insight into The Ageing Paradox, debunks some misconceptions about ageing and opens the door to the opportunity to change the prevailing narrative about life in later years.

Jacinta also talks with Ian Braybrook and Mazza Bennett, broadcasters and owners of Radio 88FM for Seniors in Castlemaine.  They discuss resilience and living with a sense of purpose in their community. 

Liz Hicklin is one of a kind.  As energetic and excited about life as one could be, Liz says her life began at 90.  And at 94, with plenty of challenges in her pocketful of memories, she’s still trying things she’s never done before and leading a full life.

 

The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell by:

SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellbeing, happiness, joy... Once considered to diminish as people age, research is showing the contrary - that ageing, even when it brings physical or cognitive decline, can deliver an uptick in overall quality of life.&nbsp; It is referred to as The Ageing Paradox. In this episode, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr Anita Goh, Associate Professor at the National Ageing Research Institute.&nbsp; With pragmatism and optimism, Anita provides insight into The Ageing Paradox, debunks some misconceptions about ageing and opens the door to the opportunity to change the prevailing narrative about life in later years. Jacinta also talks with Ian Braybrook and Mazza Bennett, broadcasters and owners of Radio 88FM for Seniors in Castlemaine. &nbsp;They discuss resilience and living with a sense of purpose in their community.&nbsp; Liz Hicklin is one of a kind.&nbsp; As energetic and excited about life as one could be, Liz says her life began at 90.&nbsp; And at 94, with plenty of challenges in her pocketful of memories, she&rsquo;s still trying things she&rsquo;s never done before and leading a full life. &nbsp; The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for <a href="https://www.unitingagewell.org/">Uniting AgeWell </a>by: <a href="soundcartel.com.au">SoundCartel</a> +61 3 9882 8333See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

The good, the bad and the unspoken

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