It’s not how old you are but how you are old that matters. Well, since a roadmap and some sage advice would be helpful, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons guides you through the Ageing Ideal podcast series, which explores the warts and all perspectives and experiences of older people, their families, carers and other experts in the sector. This podcast is for anyone who wants to know more about how we can live and age well and shape the future of aged care in Australia. Through thought-provoking and insightful conversations, The Ageing Ideal aims to dispel a few myths, challenge some preconceptions and provide a more positive outlook on ageing, aged care and the services that can bring joy and make life easier.
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In this episode, we're stepping into the world of later life romance, companionship, desire and connection.
14 Jan 2026
Grand expectations
Being a grandparent today isn’t about fitting into an old mould but finding your own rhythm. Between love and limits, care and independence…there’s space for a new kind of grand-parenting to emerge.
In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, Jacinta Parsons speaks with grandparents Chris and Janice who talk about how they make it work as the live as one of four generations in their home.
Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s most trusted psychologists and author of the book Grandparents and joins Jacinta to reflect on how grand parenting today is vastly different to previous generations of grandparents.
Jacinta also speaks with Ann McLeish who is the Director of Grandparents Victoria to discuss what rights grandparents hold, how they can communicate those boundaries with some grace and some confidence.
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See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
22 Dec 2025
Table for one
When the pace of life slows and the noise of ambition quells, we begin to notice the difference between loneliness and solitude.
Loneliness is the ache of absence—the empty chair, the silence when we long for familiar voices.
Solitude, on the other hand, is the comfort of our own company—the gentle pause after a busy life, where memories breathe and small joys shine.
In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr. Anita Goh to distinguish between the experience of loneliness versus solitude and also author and columnist for the Sunday Life Magazine Kerri Sackville about ways to embrace solitude. Jacinta also visits the Strathmore Mens Shed and chats to elders about how to prepare for being alone and support others who are.
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See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
3 Dec 2025
Don't wrap me in cotton wool
As we age, risk-taking becomes a conscious consideration. While caution often increases and those around us may encourage it, older adults still have the right to take risks.
Yet ignoring the challenges of ageing can have serious consequences. Finding the right balance is crucial, but it raises the question of who ultimately decides.
In this episode of The Ageing Ideal, host Jacinta Parsons explores the dignity of risk with gerontologist Professor Joseph Ibrahim and COTA CEO Pat Sparrow and speaks with elders about their approach to risk, autonomy and decision-making and why wrapping people in cotton wool is not the answer.
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19 Aug 2025
Strong at any age
You can be strong at any age. While it takes effort and commitment, are there limits to the physical activity and exercise we can do to keep our mind and body strong? Is it ever too late to start?
To find out, podcast host Jacinta Parsons is talking to Professor Alan Hayes, Assistant Dean, Western Centre for Health Research and Education at Victoria University and Deputy Director of the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences.
Jacinta also goes to the coalface and talks to a group of older men and women who understand firsthand the benefits exercise and an active lifestyle have on their independence and wellbeing.
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
22 Jul 2025
The ageing paradox
Wellbeing, happiness, joy...
Once considered to diminish as people age, research is showing the contrary - that ageing, even when it brings physical or cognitive decline, can deliver an uptick in overall quality of life. It is referred to as The Ageing Paradox.
In this episode, Jacinta Parsons speaks with Dr Anita Goh, Associate Professor at the National Ageing Research Institute. With pragmatism and optimism, Anita provides insight into The Ageing Paradox, debunks some misconceptions about ageing and opens the door to the opportunity to change the prevailing narrative about life in later years.
Jacinta also talks with Ian Braybrook and Mazza Bennett, broadcasters and owners of Radio 88FM for Seniors in Castlemaine. They discuss resilience and living with a sense of purpose in their community.
Liz Hicklin is one of a kind. As energetic and excited about life as one could be, Liz says her life began at 90. And at 94, with plenty of challenges in her pocketful of memories, she’s still trying things she’s never done before and leading a full life.
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
3 Jun 2025
The good, the bad and the unspoken
Jacinta Parsons interviews Andrew Kinnersly and Fonda Voukelatos about the challenges and values within the aged care system, revealing their commitment to improving the sector through Uniting AgeWell.
22 Apr 2025
Lets talk mental health
Ageing impacts the body in so many ways, with mental health and well-being often directly impacted. So, how can older Australians and carers stay on top of their mental health? What community services are available, and how is the aged care system training staff to manage well-being concerns?
For a well-rounded perspective, you'll hear from three guests deeply experienced in the space, including
Joseph Ibrahim - Professor Aged Care Medical Research at the Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University
Victoria Jacques - Uniting AgeWell General Manager, Residential Services Victoria
Ken Rosenhain - retired social worker and volunteer with the Uniting AgeWell Social Connections Program
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Mar 2025
When the going gets tough
Many people are not fully prepared for caring for an ageing loved one. Host, Jacinta Parsons explores this dynamic and how the well-being of both parties can be addressed.
This episode also explores the role of career carers, the importance of their role and continued support and development.
Jacinta is in conversation with 84-year-old Lyn Hamilton and they discuss her time caring for her husband John, 89, as his dementia progressed and the impact on both of them after moving John into aged care.
Additionally, you'll hear from Meagan Thomas, Director of Home Care Services at Uniting Agewell and Jo Wood, Senior Social Worker of the 'Residential Aged Care Well-Being' program at Care Guidance. Both women provide an on the ground, carers' perspective and a view from aged care leadership about enhancing the experience for all parties in the system.
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
This episode offers deeper insight into what it is like to be a carer from someone as they age from the perspective of a current client and an experienced social worker.
It will provide anecdotal insight into the lived experience and difficulties that arise.
Listeners will also gain an understand of the services they can access for support as a carer and the services to support the person they are caring for.
The episode aims to provide a balanced conversion between personal experience and a deep understanding of the aged care system in Australia
Authentic and open discussion about the experience of being a carer and the impact of the support that aged care provides
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Feb 2025
Growing older my way
Getting older does not mean your life has to stop, or that your impact needs to be less.
In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Host, Jacinta Parsons discovers how two people in residential aged care are as busy as ever! More importantly, they're doing what they love and giving back to their communities.
First, Jactina talks to Merv Stanton, a 97-year-old, retired Anglican Minister, who took on the task of brightening the garden in the aged care facility, his wife Margaret was at. This act of love turned into Merv taking on many volunteering roles at the home, which both he and the residents absolutely loved. Merv is a delight and a sterling example of making the most of your time, energy and efforts in later life.
You'll also hear from 81-year-old Loretta Simmons OAM. She's a host on Golden Days radio and her commitment to community service throughout the years has seen her awarded with an OAM. A remarkable woman with a zest for life and a busy schedule, not much keep Loretta down.
Both stories reveal that choosing to carry on moving, volunteering and turning up is the best way to age your way.
The Ageing Ideal Podcast is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/)by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Feb 2025
Introducing: The Ageing Ideal
Welcome to the Ageing Ideal!
It’s not how old you are but how you are old that matters. Well, since a roadmap and some sage advice would be helpful, ABC radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons guides you through the Ageing Ideal podcast series, which explores the warts and all perspectives and experiences of older people, their families, carers and other experts in the sector.
This podcast is for anyone who wants to know more about how we can live and age well and shape the future of aged care in Australia. Through thought-provoking and insightful conversations, The Ageing Ideal aims to dispel a few myths, challenge some preconceptions and provide a more positive outlook on ageing, aged care and the services that can bring joy and make life easier.
The Ageing Ideal releases episodes monthly, so hit Follow now wherever you listen to podcasts, and make sure you don't miss an episode.
The Ageing Ideal is produced for Uniting AgeWell (https://www.unitingagewell.org/) by:
SoundCartel (soundcartel.com.au)
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
38
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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