Back from the 57th AAG Conference in Hobart in November, I am buoyed by this year’s theme: Fresh air, fresh thinking. The number and variety of high-quality presentations at the event is testament to our broad membership and connections across every state and territory in Australia and internationally.
We are a melting pot of researchers, educators, policy makers, health professionals, service providers, advocates for older adults and members of the community.
This year marks an important milestone for AAG as we celebrate 60 years as Australia’s thought leaders on ageing.
Not only did this momentous achievement give us all a good reason to boogie on the dance floor at this year’s ‘60s’ themed Dementia Support Australia AAG Conference Dinner, it also gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect.
Whether we work in a lab or on the frontline of service provision, achieving such an incredible milestone brings renewed energy to be curious, to learn and collaborate.
Through our connections within the AAG family, we share our goal to improve the experience of ageing, we see where our skills and experience fit in the bigger picture, and we recognise ourselves and those we love in that picture. Any change we can make to evidence, policy and practice in ageing and aged care will ultimately benefit us all.
Mae West is often credited with saying, “getting old isn’t for the faint of heart.” These words most certainly can also apply to working and researching within the sector. Whatever our role, if we are engaging in the ageing and aged care space, we are warriors for change.
Every day, we fight for change in policy and practice, for respect and fairness, for equity and sustainability. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we are not defeated by the many obstacles encountered along the way.
As 2024 draws to a close, my time as AAG President also comes to an end.
As president, I have witnessed significant changes in the ageing and aged care sector, in my own work and across AAG’s diverse membership.
As we continue to respond to the recommendations of the royal commission, new legislation, different models of care and funding, and changing expectations in the community, the importance of AAG and the tireless and dedicated work of our board, team, volunteers and especially our members, cannot be emphasised enough.
The next 60 years hold many possibilities and will be ripe for more fresh air and fresh thinking. I look forward to my ongoing membership and connections with all the incredible people who will take AAG’s purpose and mission into the future.
Dr Claudia Meyer is president of the Australian Association of Gerontology
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