Support for older veterans

Home
Healthy ageing
About healthy ageing
Find out what healthy ageing means and the changes you can make to stay independent for longer.
- Myths about ageing
  Rethink what you know about later life. Bust some common myths about ageing that could be holding you back.
- Inspiration
  Get inspired by real stories and videos from older people. See how others have taken healthy ageing into their own hands.
- Frequently asked questions
  Find answers to common questions about healthy ageing. Get clear on available tools and services.
Resources
Resources
Discover practical tips, exercises, and products to help you stay active and independent.
- Find healthy ageing articles
  Read articles backed by evidence to help you stay healthy and independent.
- Find exercise sheets
  Check out these printable exercises (with pictures) to help keep your mind and body strong.
- Find activities
  Connect with your community. Use this directory to find social activities near you.
- Find helpful tools
  Explore this directory of assistive products. They're selected by clinical experts to make life easier.
- Navigating life changes
  With ageing comes change. Get tailored resources to help you prepare for times of transition.
- I have a health condition or injury
- I'm downsizing or moving house
- I'm grieving
- I'm preparing for new grandchildren
- I'm retiring or retired
- I'd like general healthy ageing info
- More about life changes
- Everyday tips
  Take a look at practical ways to make everyday tasks easier around the house, or out and about.
- Explore tips
- Cultural resources
- First Nations resources
  Access resources made by, with, and for First Nations people.
- Italian resources
  Access resources made with and for Italian people.
- Resources in your language
  Find LiveUp resources in different languages.
Self-assessment quiz
Take our 5-minute quiz – get personalised suggestions for activities, products, and tips tailored to you.
Take the quiz
About
About LiveUp
Learn more about LiveUp. Discover our mission to help older people live well and stay independent.
- Friends of LiveUp
  Read about the peak bodies and organisations we work with to improve the lives of older people.
- Testimonials
  'I found LiveUp to be so uplifting and inspirational and I'm so glad I found it! I thoroughly recommend it to all my older friends.'
  See more testimonials
Contact

Not sure where to start? Call one of our friendly navigators who can help you.Call - 1800 951 971

Home
Healthy ageing
About healthy ageing
Find out what healthy ageing means and the changes you can make to stay independent for longer.
- Myths about ageing
  Rethink what you know about later life. Bust some common myths about ageing that could be holding you back.
- Inspiration
  Get inspired by real stories and videos from older people. See how others have taken healthy ageing into their own hands.
- Frequently asked questions
  Find answers to common questions about healthy ageing. Get clear on available tools and services.
Resources
Resources
Discover practical tips, exercises, and products to help you stay active and independent.
- Find healthy ageing articles
  Read articles backed by evidence to help you stay healthy and independent.
- Find exercise sheets
  Check out these printable exercises (with pictures) to help keep your mind and body strong.
- Find activities
  Connect with your community. Use this directory to find social activities near you.
- Find helpful tools
  Explore this directory of assistive products. They're selected by clinical experts to make life easier.
- Navigating life changes
  With ageing comes change. Get tailored resources to help you prepare for times of transition.
- I have a health condition or injury
- I'm downsizing or moving house
- I'm grieving
- I'm preparing for new grandchildren
- I'm retiring or retired
- I'd like general healthy ageing info
- More about life changes
- Everyday tips
  Take a look at practical ways to make everyday tasks easier around the house, or out and about.
- Explore tips
- Cultural resources
- First Nations resources
  Access resources made by, with, and for First Nations people.
- Italian resources
  Access resources made with and for Italian people.
- Resources in your language
  Find LiveUp resources in different languages.
Self-assessment quiz
Take our 5-minute quiz – get personalised suggestions for activities, products, and tips tailored to you.
Take the quiz
About
About LiveUp
Learn more about LiveUp. Discover our mission to help older people live well and stay independent.
- Friends of LiveUp
  Read about the peak bodies and organisations we work with to improve the lives of older people.
- Testimonials
  'I found LiveUp to be so uplifting and inspirational and I'm so glad I found it! I thoroughly recommend it to all my older friends.'
  See more testimonials
Contact

Not sure where to start? Call one of our friendly navigators who can help you.Call - 1800 951 971

Support for older veterans | LiveUp

An older couple wearing poppies on their shirt lapels, in honour of ANZACs.

Do you hold a Veteran card with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)?

If so, you can access a range of healthcare services covered under the DVA. This includes medical care, dental care, optical care, and some subsidised pharmaceuticals.

There are also community supports available to help you.

Support for First Nations veterans

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in every war involving the Australian defence forces. This includes World War I and II. The participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans is important to Australian history. Still, First Nations veterans have been subject to racism and discrimination, suffering inequities in areas such as education, employment, and civil liberties.

The DVA doesn't have separate programs for First Nations veterans. However, you may choose to tell them if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. If you do let them know, they can:

provide better services to as many veterans and their families as possible
make sure you and your family know what support is available

Support for veterans

If you are a veteran or want to support a veteran, there are people who can help. There are many social groups and events run by organisations such as Soldier On.

You can find health and financial services and more. For example:

RSL Australia links to various resources of information and supports.
Legacy Australia offers social, financial, and developmental support.
Veterans Housing Australia provides community housing for veterans and their families.
Veteran Benefits Australia provides health, legal and advocacy services for veterans.

Healthy lifestyle tips for veterans

Veterans are more likely to struggle with certain health conditions and disabilities.

Both veterans and their families are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure. Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your cardiovascular health as you age:

Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Be physically active
Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
Connect with others

Living with brain injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is common among military veterans. This can cause poor balance, muscle weakness, or changes in perception, as well as cognitive or personality changes. There are many treatments available that you can ask your doctor about, including:

Physical therapy
Behavioural therapy
Occupational therapy
Counselling
Medications

Assistive products could help you

Assistive products can also help people with TBI to stay more independent and active in the community.

This could include wheelchairs, walking frames, ramps, shower chairs, splints, braces, and home oxygen services.

Mental health in veterans

It's common for veterans to experience mental health concerns. This includes depression, alcohol dependence disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you or someone you know may be suffering with PTSD or other conditions, there are ways to get help. You can ask your doctor about symptoms you may notice. Symptoms of PTSD can include:

Poor sleep
Feeling depressed
Problems in your personal relationships
Excessive drinking
Gambling
Violence

Who to call for mental health support

Call the Australian Defence Force (ADF) All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 for 24-hour counselling and mental health support. This service is available to all ADF members and their families.

Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force. They also provide counselling for partners and families. Open Arms can be contacted 24/7 on the number 1800 011 046.

Soldier On provides health and wellbeing support. As well as employment and educational support. Call 1300 620 380.

BeyondBlue is a mental health support service. You can chat to a counsellor online or call 1300 22 4636.

LifeLine's crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night. Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114.

Learn more about finding mental health support here.

SMART training

Open Arms has a resource of information about SMART (self-management and resilience training) treatment tools for veterans. There are interactive, easy-to-use tools that you can access on the go such as:

Controlled breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Thought stopping

This can help you to improve your response in each moment. Over time, the training can help you to build both mental resilience and fitness.

Find out more about SMART training and other healthy ageing resources.

Find support on ANZAC Day

April 25 may be a difficult or isolating time of year for veterans. Participating in ANZAC Day events is a great way to find and access supportive communities. There are many ways you can get involved:

Attend a Dawn Service
Watch an ANZAC Day march in your area
Wear rosemary on your lapel
Read ANZAC books with your family and grandchildren
Make ANZAC biscuits

Reach out for support from loved ones or from one of the many services or helplines there for you.

Get in touch with LiveUp

If you need more information, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

References

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. (2022, August). Serving their country. https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/serving-their-country

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Health of veterans. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/health-of-veterans

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2023, August). Understanding your heart risk. https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/understanding-your-heart-risk

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2023, August). High blood pressure in veterans. https://www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/vetaffairs/vetaffairs-vol-39-no2-august-2023/high-blood-pressure-veterans

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2022, November). Rosemary. https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/symbols/rosemary

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2025). Veteran healthcare cards. https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/veteran-healthcare-cards

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2022). Chapter 6: Rehabilitation and long‑term care needs after traumatic brain injury. In Traumatic brain injury: A roadmap for accelerating progress (pp. 107–136). The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25394

National Institute on Aging. (2022, July). Facts about aging and alcohol. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alcohol-misuse-or-alcohol-use-disorder/facts-about-aging-and-alcohol

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.