This week, Warrigal hosted a free community event for people in the Illawarra region to learn more about health and wellness as they age. This event was designed to provide older people and their loved ones with the information and resources they need to make better, more informed choices about their health for their future. It also provided a great opportunity for attendees to connect with experts in the community who provide tailored services and initiatives to help individuals age well.

The event began with an opening address from Jenni Hutchins, our Warrigal CEO, who encouraged the audience to consider the actions they can take today to improve their health and wellness.

“It is important that we consider not only what our health looks like today, but how we will feel in five, ten, or fifteen years from now. By taking small steps today, we can ensure that we live a happier and healthier life as we age”.

She continued, “The choices you make, the services you access, and the connections you build can help you remain independent and truly involved in the life you want to live.”

Warrigal kicked off the seminar with an address from Shiva Gopalan, Warrigal’s General Manager of Allied Health and Lifestyle, who explained the various services that Warrigal and our partners offer that can support your physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health. Shiva detailed the support available within our Residential Care Homes and Community Villages, such as visiting allied health professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists, fall prevention courses, and social activities. He also talked about Warrigal’s Home Services, which involves support for older people in the community with personal and domestic tasks at home, and Warrigal Social, which provides older people with an avenue for social connection and engagement through community activities. Shiva’s presentation highlighted that “good health” transcends beyond us being just physically well, and it also depends on the shape of our social, mental and spiritual health also.

Following Shiva was Garry Walters from Dementia Australia, who delivered an informative presentation about brain health and the important signs to look for as you get older. Throughout his address, Garry shared some excellent strategies for keeping your brain active and engaged, and encouraged attendees to check out the helpful resources available. Dementia can oftentimes be a difficult topic to discuss, but Garry reiterated an important message that you are not alone, and with the right support and care, many people with dementia live a safe, connected, healthy and active life.

The event space was set up in expo-style, with information tables and banners, to provide attendees the chance to collect helpful resources and pamphlets. Warrigal invited several community organisations to exhibit on the day, such as Shellharbour City Library, Hearing Australia, Treadright Podiatry, Australian Health Professionals (Speech and Dietetics), Gateway Life, Country Care Group, Dementia Australia, and ‘Stepping On’ from Shoalhaven and Illawarra Health, who each shared practical advice and information, and created meaningful connections with attendees.

The event concluded with light refreshments, and the opportunity for attendees to mingle with others, connect with service providers in the Illawarra, and ask industry experts any questions.

This day was extremely successful, with many attendees leaving feeling better educated, prepared and confident to age well into the future.

Explore our image gallery of the event below!