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For further information into research on ageing, please read about our research group and research activities

 Healthy Nutrition and Healthy Weight

This interactive food pyramid website allows you to understand what makes a healthy diet for you. Try out the menu planner. However, it is best that you speak to your local doctor about your diet and he/she may refer you to a dietitian for further advice.

Preventing Under-Nutrition: Nutritional Screening Tools- Elderly

Nutritional risk is common in older people and there are many screening tools can assist in determining risk. 

The DETERMINE Your Nutritional Health Checklist is an easy to do screening tool that does not require measurement of your weight and height. If you score 3 or more, speak to your general practitioner for advice.

The Mini Nutritional Assessment is one example of a screening tool but requires a measurement of weight and height. If you score at-risk of malnourished, please speak to your general practitioner for advice.  

Dementia

Alzheimer's Association South Australia is a valuable resource for patients and their families. The Living with Memory Loss Program is a fantastic program designed for patients and their family when first diagnosed with dementia (early stages). There are times when there can be challenges from changes to behaviour as a result from the dementia and the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service can be of assistance.

If you need to just speak to someone for advice and support- then call the National Dementia Helpline

Early Signs: Worried About Memory?- Where there are concerns, speak to your general pracitioner with regards to making the diagnosis as there are medications available for the treatment of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Be prepared for a hospital trip and this US guide may be of use.

Delirium

Delirium is sudden confusion that develops over hours to days. When family or loved ones are admitted to hospital, delirium may be experienced and family can play an important role in supporting staff manage this condition. These tips may come in handy. There are strategies to reduce the risk of experiencing delirium.  

 Falls Prevention and Osteoporosis Management

Falls in older people is a major risk factor for fracture. Prevention is the best strategy and speaking to your general practitioner if you have experienced falls is important. For some, evaluation at specialized falls clinics where you are assessed by the geriatrician (specialist for older people) and skilled clinicians (physiotherapist, occupational therapist etc) may be of benefit. Day therapy centres also run falls and ballance classes which are great for falls prevention- please speak to your general practitioner.

The Falls SA website is a valuable source of information for consumers as well as health practitioners. Visit the self assessment page and discuss the results with your general practitioner. Make your home safe. The health service directory provides information about how to be further evaluated or access services. There are answers to frequently asked questions.

Vitamin D and calcium are very important in terms of protecting your bone health. For people with osteoporosis there are medications available as well as measures that you can take to prevent future bone loss. If you are taking prednisolone or other steroid preparations long term, you are at risk of osteoporosis. Before commencing any medications, speak to you general practitioner about this. Exercise helps build bones. Hip protectors can prevent fracture if worn.

 Organizations Supporting Older Australians

Active Ageing Australia

COTA- Council of The Ageing

ARAS- Aged Rights Advocacy Service

Office of The Public Advocate: There is information about advanced directives.

 Health Service Improvement

The SA Health Statewide Older People Network consist of interested clinicians and consumers that are working together to achieve the objectives outlined within the Health Service Framework for Older People. March 2010 newsletter.

There are also initiatives targeting the better management of dementia: 2009-2012 South Australia's Dementia Action Plan