Queensland Seniors

15/09/2026

What can we do to support brain health as we age?

Broadcaster and author Dr Norman Swan explores the science of the brain ageing in his new book ‘The Brain Cliff’, including practical strategies that may help maintain brain health. 🧠

One approach he highlights is ‘mental time travel’ — reflecting on the past, staying grounded in the present and imagining the future.

🌐 Sound interesting? Read the full story at 👉 https://ow.ly/WYIm50ZN7nQ

[Image description: A graphic of a human brain and puzzle pieces in the background, with the words, ‘Let your mind wander, don’t retire and stop worrying: surprising ways to help save your brain from the cognitive cliff’. The Guardian logo sits in the bottom-right corner.]

In his new book The Brain Cliff, Dr Norman Swan outlines the science of brain ageing and strategies for staving off cognitive decline

13/09/2026

Today, on International Chocolate Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dear friend, trusted companion, and pillar of the community: chocolate. 🍫

Now for the important question..... what's the best and worst chocolate?

You know the ones - the chocolates that disappear first from the box, and the ones that are always left at the bottom of the box. We'll go first:

🏆 Best= Caramello.
🙅Worst= Cherry Ripe.

Agree or disagree? Share your best and worst chocolate picks in the comments below 👇



[Image description: a meme style image, with a photo of W***y Wonka, from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. The text reads "Tell us, what's your favourite chocolate?"]

09/09/2026

Today is R U OK? Day, a day that encourages us to stay connected to those around us and have meaningful conversations that could change a life. 🫶

It's a reminder to check in with a neighbour, friend, family member or colleague who may be struggling.

Start a conversation using these 4 steps:
1. Ask R U OK? You could start by saying you've noticed them not seeming like themselves lately.
2. Listen with understanding.
3. Encourage action. This could look like encouraging them to see their GP, or even asking how you could help them take the first step.
4. Check in. Follow up with them and ask how they've been feeling since your last conversation.

Ask R U OK? any day, because a conversation could change a life. For more information, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/

[Image Description: A yellow background with black text that reads "Ask are you okay? any day. R U O K dot org dot au.]

09/09/2026

☀️ Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner! ☀️

Queenslanders know how quickly the temperatures can rise, and new research suggests people over 60 may face heat-related health risks at lower temperatures than previously understood.

As we head into the warmer months, let's help each other stay cool, safe and comfortable. 💧🌴

Below are some practical ways to beat the Queensland heat.

🍉 Keeping cold fruit in the fridge
🥤 Freezing water bottles for hot days
🌅 Getting jobs done before the morning heat kicks in
🌳 Relaxing in a shady spot with a good book
❄️ Using a cool face washer or towel to freshen up.

What's your favourite Queensland heat hack? Share your best tip in the comments. Your advice could help another senior Queenslander stay cool this summer. 👇

Read more about the research: 🔗 https://ow.ly/eT7q50ZKtrg

[Image description: A photograph of an older woman sitting in a crowd in the sun. She is wearing a hat, sunglasses and holding a fan.]

A new global study suggests older people may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.

08/09/2026

This week is Women's Health Week, shining a spotlight on some of the biggest issues in women’s health. 👩‍🦳

This year’s theme, 'do it anyway', is about taking small steps towards better health.

Healthy ageing is about staying well enough to enjoy your life, and it’s never too late to start. Small, sustainable habits and regular health checks can help you stay healthy, independent and engaged in the things you love for years to come.

Your future proofing checklist should include:
🩷 Having a regular GP to review your medications and keep up-to-date with routine health checks and recommended vaccinations.
🩷 Staying up-to-date with breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening.
🩷 Asking your doctor about a bone density scan and supplements.
🩷 Having regular skin, eye and hearing checks.
🩷 Talking to your GP about any bladder or vaginal symptoms.
🩷 Eating a healthy diet with enough protein, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3s.
🩷 Staying physically active with weight-bearing, strength and balance exercises.
🩷 Keeping socially connected through family, friends, hobbies or group activities and continue learning new skills.

For more information, visit https://ow.ly/bhS250ZKrzF

[Image description: three ladies doing yoga poses in the park, wearing fitness clothes and smiling at each other.]

07/09/2026

Ageing at home? Don't wait for a crisis to occur before you put plans in place to protect your independence.

Karen Wilson's top 5 tips for planning ahead:
✔ start conversations early
✔ know your support options
✔ accept help sooner rather than later
✔ improve home safety and accessibility.

Planning ahead today can help you stay safe, independent and in control of the future.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/nhedf22h

[Image description: A garden path leading to an open front door, surrounded by plants and lights.]

"Planning ahead isn't about giving up independence. It's about protecting it."

Our own Karen Wilson shares a personal story this week about ageing at home, and why waiting for a crisis makes things so much harder. After a close family member was rushed to hospital, Karen saw first-hand how fast support can be arranged once it's accepted, and how many people (understandably) put it off until it's too late.

Her advice? Start the conversation early. Look into the support available. Small steps now can make a big difference later.
Read Karen's full story: https://cotaqld.org.au/ageing-at-home-dont-wait-for-a-crisis/

05/09/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! 👨‍🍼

The late actor Sam Neill once said that one of the best pieces of advice that his parents ever gave him was:

“Sometimes you just have to pull yourself together.”

❤️ Watch this heartwarming reel featuring Sam Neill at 👉 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1966391094010684

Today we'd love you to share the best piece of advice your parents, or someone in your life gave you that has stayed with you throughout your years.



[Image description: The late actor Sam Neill speaking when he joined ABC's The Assembly in 2024. The ABC logo is in the top-left corner.]

03/09/2026

❤️ Keeping people connected to the people and communities as they age matters.

The inspiring residents of Texas, south-west Queensland, are working together to establish a local aged care facility, so older residents can remain close to family, friends and the place they call home.

Read their story: https://ow.ly/rmh650ZHc6l

[Image description: A photograph of a smiling woman with short light coloured hair wearing a pink buttoned up shirt.]

Residents in Texas are kept awake at night wondering what will happen to them as they get older, but they are dreaming big.

02/09/2026

Fancy a quiz?

How much do you know about our beautiful native flowers and plants? 🌼

🌐 Test your knowledge and see how well you score at 👉 https://ow.ly/ouIP50ZF1pF

[Image description: Sturt's desert pea, an Australian wildflower — shown with an echidna, with the ABC News logo in the top-left corner.]

Just like our fauna, Australia's wildflowers are wildly unique and fascinating. Test your knowledge of our native beauties in this quiz.

02/09/2026

🔥 Bushfires can happen anywhere, anytime and may escalate under certain weather conditions. 🔥

There are simple steps you can take now, to protect your family and property:

✅ clear gutters and trim trees
✅ mow the lawn and remove garden debris
✅ prepare an evacuation kit and bushfire survival plan including when to leave, where to go and a list of emergency contacts.

Get prepared now 👉 https://fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires

[Image description: a series of images including a fire woman standing in front of a fire, a family evacuating in their car with their dog and an aerial view of a car driving through bushland. The text reads, "Get prepared for bushfires. Pack an evacuation kit. List emergency contacts. Plan where you will go and be prepared". The first image is overlayed with the Get Ready Queensland logo and the final image is blue with the Queensland Government coat of arms.]