Women's Health Week: what older women want to know about healthy ageing

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health asked more than 1,000 women in Australia aged 65 and over which health topics they needed more information about to age well. Their answers didn’t just cover women’s physical health. They also wanted practical information to help them:

• Stay socially connected
• Feel confident
• Look after their emotional wellbeing

This feedback helped shape the Jean Hailes Healthy Ageing Podcast, which lives on the Jean Hailes Healthy Ageing Hub.

Looking for something to explore this Women's Health Week? Here are some of the healthy ageing topics women 65+ said they wanted to know more about.

Staying connected

Strong social connections can support both physical and mental health. Spending time with friends, family, and community can help you feel supported and engaged as you age.

Listen to the episode 'Wellbeing, connection and healthy ageing' to explore:

• Why social connection matters
• Ways to build and maintain relationships
• When to have a mental health check-in with your doctor

Looking after your brain

Many women are interested in keeping their minds active and supporting memory as they get older. While some changes are a normal part of ageing, there are steps you can take to support brain health.

Listen to the episode 'Memory, cognition and ageing well' to learn more about:

• Lifestyle habits that protect memory as you age
• Where to go if you’re worried about dementia
• How walking with a friend is good for your brain

Building confidence

Ageing often brings life changes. This could include:

• Retirement
• Caring responsibilities
• New health challenges

These experiences can affect confidence. But you can build confidence at any age.

Listen to the episode 'Staying confident as you age' to hear about:

• Building self-confidence
• Adapting to life changes
• Speaking up for your needs

Supporting your body

Healthy ageing includes looking after your physical health. Small daily habits can help support your strength and mobility over time.

Listen to the episode 'Nutrition and healthy ageing' to discover:

• The best nutrients for older women
• Budget friendly food ideas
• Nutritious ways to enjoy a sweet treat

Listen to the episode 'Bones, joints and ageing well' to explore:

• Ways to manage joint pain
• How to eat and exercise for bone health
• How to prevent falls

Having open conversations

The survey found that women wanted information on topics that aren't always discussed openly. This includes:

• Relationships
• Intimacy
• Sexuality in later life

Listen to the episode 'Let's talk about sex and ageing' to hear answers to some common questions about these topics.

Healthy ageing is about more than health checks

Women's Health Week is a good reminder that ageing well involves more than managing health conditions. It can also mean:

• Staying connected to others
• Keeping your mind active
• Maintaining confidence
• Looking after your physical health
• Continuing to learn and try new things

The Jean Hailes Healthy Ageing Podcast brings these topics together in one place, with expert advice tailored to the experiences and interests of older women.

Explore more to take charge of your health today

Visit the Jean Hailes Healthy Ageing Hub for more women’s health information. You’ll find:

• Health checklists for your 40s and beyond
• Expert insights
• Women’s health stories

For more information about healthy ageing, you can also take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.  

References

Jean Hailes for Women's Health. (February 2025). From sex to brain health: New healthy ageing podcasts tackle women's top concerns. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/articles/from-sex-to-brain-health-new-healthy-ageing-podcasts-tackle-womens-top-concerns/

Jean Hailes for Women's Health. (December 2024). Healthy ageing podcast. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/podcast-channel/healthy-ageing/

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