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Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has been found dead at the age of 39. The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home, with news of his sudden passing prompting tributes from his heartbroken co-stars. Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, wrote on Instagram, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.” The actor moved to the US from Spain when he was a child, and went on to pursue a career in acting and modelling. He starred on Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011, before also going on to enjoy roles in projects like 2013 movie Behind the Candelabra, CW show Jane the Virgin, and US soap The Bold and The Beautiful in 2017. “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day,” tweeted Journalist Michael Fairman. Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one posting, “So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten.” Image credits: NBC/AFF-USA/Shutterstock Editorial

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Beloved Australian soap star dies at age 85

Beloved Australian soap star Leila Hayes has died at the age of 85. The popular actress died peacefully at a hospital in Sydney’s Northern Beaches after facing long-term health challenges, according to the post on a Facebook page announcing her death. Best known for her role on Sons and Daughters, Hayes also went on to dabble in singing, hosting a radio show and writing throughout her stellar career. Hayes appeared in popular drama series including Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop. She is best remembered for her of role of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters, playing the part in close to 1,000 episodes over the course of the show’s five-year run beginning in 1982. Hayes also proved herself as a radio presenter, hosting New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, a successful midnight-to-dawn program. The accomplished performer established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979 and branched out to Sydney in 1987, where she nurtured up-and-coming talent. The Drama Studio confirmed the news of Leila's passing, with her daughter Melissa sharing her thanks for all the kind messages of support. "Thank you for your condolences, shared memories and support. It means the world to me and my family at this difficult time," Leila's daughter wrote. "Yesterday’s message was not easy to share, and done only out of the great respect she had for all those who have followed, worked with or studied with her over the years. I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support. Thank you." Image credits: 7News

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Legendary Hollywood director dies at age 78

Hollywood director David Lynch, who was known for directing iconic films such as Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, has passed away at the age of 78. Lynch’s family confirmed his passing on social media early on Friday morning with an emotional statement that reads, “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.” “We would appreciate some privacy at this time." “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’,” Lynch’s family added. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.” Lynch's family did not confirm his cause of death. In 2020, the acclaimed writer and director was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After being a heavy smoker all his life, Lynch revealed in November 2024 that he needed supplemental oxygen to go on a walk. “What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch told People magazine. “In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s healthy, so you’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.” Lynch's filmmaking career began in the 1960s, although his first feature film was Eraserhead in 1977. His next film was 1980’s The Elephant Man, which was nominated for eight Oscars — including Best Director for Lynch. He followed up The Elephant Man with 1984’s Dune, 1986’s Blue Velvet, 1990’s Wild At Heart and 2001’s Mulholland Drive. Lynch also created the hit TV series Twin Peaks in 1990, as well as the 1992 movie prequel and 2017 reboot season. During his stellar career, Lynch was nominated for four Oscars and nine Emmy Awards. He won the César Award for Best Foreign Film twice and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival once. Image credits: Zuma/Shutterstock Editorial

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There’s a link between walking speed and ageing well. Here’s how you can improve your pace

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andres-rafales-perucha-1528635">Andrés Ráfales Perucha</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidad-san-jorge-5704">Universidad San Jorge</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pablo-gargallo-aguaron-1528652">Pablo Gargallo Aguarón</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidad-san-jorge-5704">Universidad San Jorge</a> For decades, we have known that the way you walk, in particular your walking speed, is tied to your health. One study has even proposed that it be considered <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24812254/">a vital sign</a>, much like heart rate and blood pressure. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26861693/">Various studies</a> have found a link between low walking speed in adults over 65 and a greater risk of cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, falls (which could lead to fractures), hospitalisation, and even an increased overall mortality rate. A higher walking speed, on the other hand, is associated with increased functional capacity, meaning a better ability to move around and do activities independently. It is also linked to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00092-8/fulltext">greater longevity</a>. But how fast should you walk? <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163714000646?dgcid=api_sd_search-api-endpoint">Studies</a> recommend a few simple tests, which principally consist of timing how long it takes a person to walk between two points at their usual pace. This <a href="https://www.physio-pedia.com/4_Metre_Walk_Test">test</a> is done over a distance of four metres. A speed of under 0.8 metres per second is associated with a greater risk of frailty. <h2>How to improve walking speed</h2> While there is slight disagreement as to the best exercise for increasing walking speed, the pattern that seems most effective is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34409961/">multicomponent training</a>, which includes several different forms of exercise: <ol> <li> Balance exercises can help improve stability and prevent falls. Examples include walking in a straight line putting one foot in front of the other, or standing on one leg, alternating every 10-15 seconds. </li> <li> Flexibility exercises can improve mobility and reduce risk of injury. The benefits of movement in alleviating back pain are <a href="https://theconversation.com/back-pain-why-exercise-can-provide-relief-and-how-to-do-it-safely-162888">well documented</a>. </li> <li> Muscular exercises help build strength in the legs, buttocks and other body areas. These can be as straightforward as standing up and sitting down in a chair. </li> <li> Aerobic exercise improves stamina, and can include walking itself, or <a href="https://theconversation.com/seven-reasons-nordic-walking-is-better-for-you-than-the-normal-kind-187391">Nordic walking</a> (with hiking poles). </li> </ol> <h2>How much aerobic exercise do we need?</h2> The main <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014886">guides</a> on physical activity recommend that, provided they are physically and medically able, each adult should do at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aeoribic exercise per week. “Moderate” means you are not too out of breath to hold a conversation, but enough to notice an increased heart and breathing rate. There are few reasons not to do this kind of exercise, and it is beneficial for people with chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular issues, metabolic conditions, or even cancer. <h2>Muscle strength: How, and how much?</h2> Strengthening exercises have traditionally been recommended 2 to 3 times a week, with at least one set per exercise session of the main muscle groups: legs, buttocks, pectorals, back and arms. However, more recent studies suggest that doing less intense but more frequent strengthening exercises may be an effective way to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34822137/">maintain muscle mass and strength</a>. This would mean doing them almost every day, including even small exercise “snacks” throughout the day. <h2>Use it or lose it</h2> If we don’t train them, muscle mass and strength decrease over time. This not only affects our mobility, but also increases the risk of health problems and even death. A little daily exercise can make a big difference. We therefore recommend that you try to maintain your physical condition as much as possible, both to improve your immediate health and prevent future problems. If you do not know where to start, the best option is always to consult a professional. If you have difficulties or limitations in exercising, a physiotherapist can help you to build a specialised exercise plan, or can adapt one to your needs.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245880/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andres-rafales-perucha-1528635">Andrés Ráfales Perucha</a>, Fisioterapeuta y Personal Docente e Investigador de la Universidad San Jorge. Miembro del grupo de investigación UNLOC., <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidad-san-jorge-5704">Universidad San Jorge</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pablo-gargallo-aguaron-1528652">Pablo Gargallo Aguarón</a>, Personal Docente e Investigador en Fisioterapia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universidad-san-jorge-5704">Universidad San Jorge</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-a-link-between-walking-speed-and-ageing-well-heres-how-you-can-improve-your-pace-245880">original article</a>. </div>

Body

"Utterly devastated": Iconic Irish singer dies at age 65

Iconic Irish singer Linda Nolan has died at the age of 65. The singer who, along with her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, belonged to the Irish family group The Nolans, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and after years struggling with the illness, was told in 2011 that her cancer was in remission. In 2017, the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer, which continued to spread until it reached her brain in 2023. Linda's sister Coleen shared the news of her passing, describing her sister as a "beacon of love, kindness, and strength" in a post on Instagram. She wrote, "I am utterly devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda. Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humour, and laughter were infectious, and her presence could light up any room." "Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her. "Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us. Rest in peace, Linda." Coleen concluded, "You will forever be in our hearts." Linda was part of an Irish family girl group that became prominent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The family relocated to England in 1962 where they performed under the name The Singing Nolans before becoming The Nolan Sisters in 1974 and later just The Nolans in 1980. They gained fame with their hit songs I'm in the Mood for Dancing, Gotta Pull Myself Together, and Don't Make Waves. Linda was not the only Nolan to face a breast cancer diagnosis, as older sister Anne, 74, and younger sister Bernie, who died 2013 aged 52, also suffered the disease. Image credits: Steve Meddle/SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Legendary Australian TV presenter dies at age 79

Australian TV presenter and journalist Simon Townsend has died at the age of 79. Townsend died on Tuesday after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer, with his family confirming the news of his passing in a statement. The statement read, “In his final days, Simon was surrounded by his family and a mix of journalists, writers, actors, political activists and Italians." “The conversation to the last was loud, passionate and full of laughs.” Townsend was best known for creating and hosting children’s entertainment TV show Wonder World on Network 10, which ran between 1979 and 1987 and won five Logie Awards. “Simon often found himself in a stoush with Australian children’s television regulators, fighting to maintain his show’s boundary-pushing ethos and preserve his children’s TV rating,” his family’s statement continued. “The edict to all involved in making the show was that they never talk down to children.” Townsend was also known for a stint in Long Bay jail that sparked protests across Sydney, after he became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. Townsend's passing prompted a wave of tributes from Australian media personalities, with Amanda Keller being the first to share her experience of working with Townsend as she revealed her first job was on Wonder World. “I was a researcher there, and was lucky enough to work alongside some of the most talented people of my generation,” Keller wrote. “Many of my closest friends today are from those days. I’ll forever be grateful to the show, and to the groundbreaking force that was Simon Townsend. My condolences to all who loved him.” Image credits: Network 10

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Beloved Aussie author dies at age 74

Beloved Australian author John Marsden has died at the age of 74. The best-selling writer published more than 40 books throughout his distinguished career, including the acclaimed Tomorrow series, which chronicled a fictional invasion and occupation of Australia. The young adult series has been described as “the best series for Australian teens of all time”, selling millions of copies and sparking a successful movie and TV series. Businessman Simon Holmes Court led the tributes to Mr Marsden in a touching post on X (formerly Twitter). “He was one of the standout teachers through my schooling — in many ways similar to the character of John Keating in Dead Poets Society,” Mr Holmes a Court wrote. “His 1st book So Much to Tell You was based on my year group — many identifiable characters. A gift to our year! Complex man, but I’m so glad to have crossed paths.” Marsden won many major awards for children's and adult fiction, and in 2006 received the Lloyd O'Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing. Following the news of his death, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Marsden "wanted young Australians to read more and his writing made that happen". "Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people's character," Mr Albanese wrote on social media. "John's work will live long in our national memory." Image credits: Facebook

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Midwife turns comedian at the grand old age of 62!

At an age when many are settling into retirement, Sarah Stewart decided to rewrite the script of her life – literally and figuratively. After decades as a midwife, wife and mother, the 62-year-old has gone from delivering babies to delivering punchlines by taking to the stage as a stand-up comedian, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. With a sharp wit and an abundance of life experience, she’s been blowing audiences away with her hilarious and heartfelt reflections on family, ageing and the absurdities of modern life. But her journey to comedy hasn’t been without its challenges. Juggling her blossoming career with personal trials – including her husband’s battle with cancer – Sarah has had to navigate the delicate balance between ambition and devotion. Through it all, she’s maintained a fierce determination to follow her passion and inspire others. We sat down with Sarah to discuss the triumphs and setbacks of chasing a dream later in life, and her upcoming plans to take her one-woman show, Midwife Crisis, to new heights: “When I hit 60 a couple of years ago, I had a sudden thought: ‘Gosh! Death is just around the corner!’ “Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but as you get older, you start to reflect on all the things you have always wanted to do but never achieved and realise that now is the time to do it before it is too late. “In my case, I had always wanted to become an actress but with being a wife, mother and an on-call midwife, over the years I had lost touch with my artistic side. I know it sounds like a horrible cliché but when I turned 60 I realised now was the time for me to reconnect with my creative soul, follow my dreams and put me first in my life for a change. “In 2020 I thought I would explore the possibility of becoming a comedian. I completed a couple of comedy courses and took part in a few open mics in Canberra. I discovered I have an ability to make people laugh, especially when talking about the highs and lows of being a wife for 40 years, wrangling grown-up kids who refuse to leave home, dishing the goss on being a midwife, and reflecting on the ageing process and how I’m preparing for my funeral. “Only 20 percent of women are comedians, and very few are over the age of 60. Thus, I have found a performance niche and an audience of the over 60s, especially women, with whom my material really resonates. I regularly have people say what a positive role model I am ‘at my age’! My unspoken response is I’d rather be doing comedy than spending all my time baby-sitting snotty grandchildren! “Over the last couple of years, I’d been building to debut my solo show ‘Midwife Crisis’ at the Australian Festival of Arts in Townsville in October 2024. But in May 2024, my husband Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer. “He went through a course of intensive chemotherapy and was scheduled for surgery in the middle of September. I didn’t know what to do; cancel my show straight away, or hang on while we waited to see the outcome of Mark’s surgery? “Obviously, my priority was to support my husband but at the same time I was gutted that I might miss this opportunity to achieve a goal that I had worked so hard for. “At the age of 62 these openings do not arise in the same way as they do for comedians in their 30s. To make matters ‘worse’, the two shows quickly sold out, so it looked like I had an instant success on my hands. “Mark had extensive but successful surgery on the 18th of September, and with the assistance of our son and Mark’s fabulous friends, I was able to go to Townsville and do my shows knowing Mark was being looked after at home. Our beautiful daughter who lives in Townsville did an amazing job of supporting me and resisting the temptation of rolling her eyes at how crazy her mother is. “Today, Mark has finished his last course of post-surgery chemotherapy and at the moment he is cancer-free. We don’t know what the future holds for us. That being said, another one of my favourite clichés is ‘onwards and upwards’. And so I am taking ‘Midwife Crisis’ to the Adelaide Fringe Festival in February 2024 and I am hoping I will be able to tick off another bucket list item, which is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2026. “That’s as long as I don’t suddenly get snotty grandchildren to look after!!” Sarah is performing her Midwife Crisis show at the Adelaide Fringe Festival from Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February 2025, 2pm and 6pm. For more info and to book tickets, check out <a href="https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/midwife-crisis-af2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/midwife-crisis-af2025</a> Images: Supplied

Retirement Income

Queensland's first TV star dies aged 90

Queensland's first television star, Hugh Cornish, has died at a retirement village in Hamilton, Brisbane aged 90. A major figure in television, the iconic presenter made history as the first person to ever greet Channel 9 audiences in Queensland when television went live on August 16, 1959. "I said something like, 'Hello Brisbane, welcome to television' and really, that was it," Cornish recalled in a 1990s interview. His son Tim, confirmed the news of his passing on social media. "Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars. He was the greatest gentleman you could ever hope to meet," he shared. Cornish began his media career as a radio presenter at 4IP in Ipswich in 1934. Following his first TV appearance, Cornish eventually became the general manager of Channel 9 Queensland, and was the first person to run the same shows every night instead of once a week. In the 1960s he hosted the variety show Brisbane Tonight before he went on to present the talent show Stairway to the Stars in the 1970s. He later served as an executive at Nine and the Seven Network. The TV star was remembered by his loved ones today after news of his death. "Every time I think of Hugh Cornish, I think, I know we had the best days in the television industry because they were pioneering days," former television director Garry Gibson said. "I just remember him as a kind loveable person who would help anybody. "This man was interested in television and he wanted to make entertainment and we all chased that." Managing director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher said his contributions to the media landscape were second to none. "His face and voice became a trusted presence in countless homes," Blucher said in a statement. "For decades, he brought warmth, professionalism, and dedication to Channel Nine's screen." Veteran newsman Brett DeBritz added that many in this industry "owed their careers" to Cornish. "Everybody who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer. "A lot of people owe their careers to him." "He probably made a bigger impact on getting talent known and up and running in Brisbane than anybody else I know, ever," producer-director and friend John Stainton said. Images: Nine

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Australian broadcasting legend dies at age 78

Australian broadcasting legend Clive Robertson has died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. Robertson changed the faced of news reading in the mid-1980s, going off script and making jokes and becoming a ratings sensation for Channel Seven. Robertson began his broadcasting career in 1972 with the ABC before moving to Seven in the 1980s. He was the face of 7News programs such as 11AM and Newsworld, and was also a high-rating radio star. At the peak of his fame as an Australian news broadcaster, he was married to another Seven star of the time, Penny Cook from A Country Practice. Robertson once told ABC’s Talking Heads program of his unusual style of news delivery, “I thought I’ll muck around and then they’ll take me off it, you see. And it didn’t work that way … I’d have to say the order of things especially at Channel 9, the order of news items." "And if I said, ‘Look, this is really important’, I’d look at the camera and say, ‘This is a really important story’ and set it up, and if it was an important story, then the audience think, ‘Oh this guy’s a good filter.’ If you said, ‘Look, this is a silly item, I don’t know why we’re running it’ and you run it and it is a silly item, you’ve got them." Image credits: Seven

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Dynasty actor dies at age 77

Legendary actor Mark Withers has died at the age of 77. Withers’ daughter Jessie confirmed the news of his passing in a statement to <a href="https://variety.com/2024/legit/news/mark-withers-dead-dynasty-1236241755/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a>, saying her father died on November 22nd of pancreatic cancer. “He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable,” Jessie added in a statement. “Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.” Withers was best known for his role in Dynasty, playing Ted Dinard in the first season of the show. The actor also starred in several shows during the 1970s and 1980s included episodes of Wonder Woman, The Greatest American Hero, Trapper John, M.D., Magnum, P.I., The Dukes of Hazzard, and Hill Street Blues. Withers had an eight-episode run as Coach Locke on Days of Our Lives between 1986 and 1987. Later in his career, Withers guest-starred in Matlock, Frasier, The King of Queens, Criminal Minds, and True Blood. In one of his final roles, Withers played coroner Gary in a first-season episode of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. Withers is survived by wife Haiyan Liu Withers and daughter Jessie Withers. Image credits: Netflix

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Young influencer's "sick act" while 80-year-old boyfriend is hospitalised

Social media users have been left horrified by a young influencer's lack of sympathy after she shared a "disturbing" video of herself dancing next to her elderly boyfriend's hospital bed. Bronwin Aurora, 22, filmed herself doing a trending TikTok dance and boasting about being included in her 80-year-old boyfriend's will, dancing around the elderly man who was lying in his hospital bed surrounded by medical equipment. “Guys, I got on the will, should I pull the plug?” she captioned the clip. The video gained nearly half a million views, and while some thought it might be satirical, others expressed their concern and outrage. “Love your care for humanity," one commented sarcastically. “I’m going to cry. I hope he gives everything to his kids," another wrote. “A prelude to an episode of Law and Order,” commented a third. Some even suggested it was "elder abuse", while many called her out for the "sickening" and "outrageous" act calling it "a new low". The 22-year-old appears to have a "sugar daddy" arrangement with the man, who often buys her extravagant gifts, including a $20k Cartier bracelet, among other things. While the influencer did not disclose her boyfriend's medical condition, she has been documenting his health across multiple posts on social media, with the most recent one showing him in a wheelchair. In one video she even told fans that she "loves" him and doesn't shy away from sharing details of her relationship online. Images: TikTok

Relationships

Australia's first supermodel dies at age 87

Australia's first supermodel Maggie Tabberer has passed away at the age of 87. The two-time Gold Logie winner and Australian television icon died on Friday morning, her daughter confirmed in an emotional Instagram post. “This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna,” Maggie’s daughter, author and stylist Amanda Tabberer wrote. “She was an icon in every sense of the word and we will miss her dearly … along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace Nanna. We love you to bits forever.” Kicking off decades of work in the modelling and television industry, Ms Tabberer was one of Australia’s best-known entertainment personalities after being named Australia’s Model of the Year in 1960. Throughout her career, Tabberer wrote a fashion column for The Daily Mirror, was the subject of two Archibald prize winning artworks, hosted her own chat show, launched her own clothing label, and was the fashion editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly. In 1998, Ms Tabberer was awarded the Order of Australia for her contributions to the fashion industry and support for various charities. Journalist Andrew Hornery led the tributes for Maggie, as he took to his Instagram account with a touching tribute to Ms Tabberer, calling her a “legend, icon (and) champion”. “There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven decade career,” Mr Hornery wrote. “We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure." “She enjoyed a little tittle tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour - self deprecating but always positive. What a life. Vale lovely lady.” TV host and journalist Leila McKinnon wrote, "Beautiful Maggie, what a wonderful woman, vale to such a generous spirit, we loved her. Sending our love to you ❤️." Image credits: Instagram / Australian Women’s Weekly / news.com.au

Caring

Planning for old age? Here’s what the aged care changes mean for you

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anam-bilgrami-1179543">Anam Bilgrami</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Last week, Parliament passed sweeping reforms to Australia’s aged care system. These “<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/once-in-a-generation-aged-care-reforms">once-in-a-generation</a>” changes, set to begin next year on July 1, aim to improve how care is provided to older Australians at home, in their communities and in nursing homes. The new Aged Care Act focuses on <a href="https://insideageing.com.au/new-aged-care-act-passes-parliament-ushering-in-historic-reforms/">improving quality and safety, protecting the rights</a> of older people and ensuring <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/big-changes-aged-care-sector">the financial sustainability</a> of aged care providers. A key change is the introduction of a new payment system, requiring wealthier people to contribute more for non-clinical services. If you – or a loved one – are planning for aged care, here’s what the changes could mean for you. <h2>What to expect from the home care overhaul</h2> Over the past decade, there’s been a noticeable shift towards “ageing at home”. The number of Australians using home care has <a href="https://www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au/getmedia/2fbaacd8-1fbf-4ef5-ab1c-72dfc4c727bf/People-using-aged-care-fact-sheet-2023.pdf?ext=.pdf">more than quadrupled</a>, surpassing those in nursing homes. To meet growing demand, the government is adding <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/press-conference-parliament-house-25-november?language=en">107,000 home care places</a> over the next two years, with a goal to reduce wait times to just three months. Starting July 1 2025, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/about">Support at Home</a> will replace the <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages">Home Care Packages</a> program. The table below shows some of the key differences between these two programs. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=546&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=546&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=546&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=686&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=686&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/636472/original/file-20241205-19-phkljj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=686&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Department of Health 2024</figcaption></figure> Home Care Packages are currently delivered under <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages">four annual government subsidy levels</a>, covering care and provider management costs. Under Support at Home, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features">the number of home care budget levels will double to eight</a>, with the highest level increasing to A$78,000. This aims to provide more tailored support and accommodate those needing higher levels of care. Under the new system, recipients will receive quarterly budgets aligned to their funding level and work with their chosen provider to allocate funds across <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/support-at-home-service-list.pdf">three broad service categories</a>: <ul> <li> clinical care, such as nursing or physiotherapy </li> <li> independence support, including personal care, transport and social support </li> <li> everyday living assistance, such as cleaning, gardening and meal delivery. </li> </ul> Clinical care services will be fully government-funded, as these are crucial to supporting health and keeping people out of hospitals. But recipients will contribute to the costs of independence and everyday living services under a new payment model, reflecting the government’s stance that these are services people have traditionally funded themselves over their lifetimes. This will replace the basic daily fee and income-tested care fee that some people currently pay. Contributions will vary by income and assets (based on the <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/who-can-get-age-pension?context=22526">age pension means test</a>) and by service type. Support at Home also includes additional funding for specific needs: <ul> <li> older Australians with less than three months to live will receive priority access to $25,000 in funding over 12 weeks </li> <li> up to $15,000 will be available for assistive technologies and home modifications, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/support-at-home-fact-sheet.pdf">eliminating the need</a> to reserve home care budgets for these. </li> </ul> <h2>What if I or my loved one is already receiving a Home Care Package?</h2> If you were receiving a package, on the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/hcp/about/how-it-works">waiting list</a>, or assessed as eligible for one on September 12 2024, the government’s “<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/once-in-a-generation-aged-care-reforms#:%7E:text=in%20aged%20care-,A%20no%20worse%20off%20principle%20will%20provide%20certainty%20to%20people,greater%20contribution%20to%20their%20care.&text=When%20Home%20Care%20participants%20transition,and%20retain%20any%20unspent%20funds.">no worse off</a>” principle guarantees you won’t pay more under the new system. Current recipients will have their Support at Home budget aligned with their existing package, and any unspent funds will roll over. <h2>How nursing home fees will change</h2> Australia’s nursing home sector is struggling financially, with <a href="https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/executive/sectors-annual-financial-report-lands/">67% of providers</a> operating at a loss. To ensure sustainability and support upgrades to facilities, the government is introducing major funding changes. <h2>What stays the same?</h2> The Basic Daily Fee, that everyone in nursing homes pays, set at 85% of the basic age pension (currently <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/schedule-of-fees-and-charges-for-residential-and-home-care.pdf">$63.57 a day</a> or $23,200 annually), will not change. <h2>What’s changing?</h2> The government currently pays a Hotelling Supplement of $12.55 per day per resident to cover everyday living services like cleaning, catering and laundry ($4,581 annually). From July 1 2025, this supplement will become means-tested. Residents with annual incomes above $95,400 or assets exceeding $238,000 (or some combination of these) will <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/response-to-the-aged-care-taskforce-residential-care-contributions.pdf">contribute partially or fully</a> to this cost. Currently, residents with sufficient means also pay a means-tested care fee <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-home-costs-and-fees">between $0–$403.24</a> per day. This will be replaced by a “<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/response-to-the-aged-care-taskforce-residential-care-contributions.pdf">non-clinical care contribution</a>”, capped at $101.16 daily and payable for the first four years of care. Only those with assets above $502,981 or incomes above $131,279 (or some combination of these) will pay this contribution. Importantly, no one will pay more than $130,000 in combined contributions for Support at Home and non-clinical care in nursing homes over their lifetime. <h2>Changes to accommodation payments</h2> The way nursing home accommodation costs are paid is also changing from July 1 2025: <ul> <li> residents <a href="https://theconversation.com/lump-sum-daily-payments-or-a-combination-what-to-consider-when-paying-for-nursing-home-accommodation-207405">who pay</a> their room price via a refundable lump sum will have <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/response-to-the-aged-care-taskforce-accommodation-reform.pdf">2% of their payment retained annually</a> by the provider, up to a maximum of 10% over five years. For example, a $400,000 lump sum payment would result in $360,000 being refunded if a person stays five years or more, with the provider keeping $40,000 </li> <li> <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/response-to-the-aged-care-taskforce-accommodation-reform.pdf">daily accommodation payments</a> (a rent-style interest charge) will no longer remain fixed for the duration of a person’s nursing home stay. Instead, these payments will be indexed twice annually to the Consumer Price Index </li> <li> providers will be able to set room prices up to $750,000 without government approval, an increase from the current $550,000 limit. </li> </ul> People with lower means (those who are fully subsidised by the government for their accommodation costs) will not be affected by these changes. <h2>What if I own my home?</h2> The treatment of the family home in means testing for nursing home costs will <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/response-to-the-aged-care-taskforce-residential-care-contributions.pdf">remain unchanged</a>. Its value is only assessed if no “protected person” (such as a spouse) lives in it, and even then, it’s capped at $206,039 (as at September 20 2024). <h2>What happens to current nursing home residents?</h2> The new rules for contributions and accommodation will apply only to those entering nursing homes from July 1 2025. Existing residents will maintain their current arrangements and be <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/once-in-a-generation-aged-care-reforms#:%7E:text=in%20aged%20care-,A%20no%20worse%20off%20principle%20will%20provide%20certainty%20to%20people,greater%20contribution%20to%20their%20care.&text=When%20Home%20Care%20participants%20transition,and%20retain%20any%20unspent%20funds.">no worse off</a>. <h2>Feeling overwhelmed?</h2> These reforms aim to improve care delivery, fairness and sustainability, with the government emphasising that many older Australians – particularly those with <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/once-in-a-generation-aged-care-reforms#:%7E:text=in%20aged%20care-,A%20no%20worse%20off%20principle%20will%20provide%20certainty%20to%20people,greater%20contribution%20to%20their%20care.&text=When%20Home%20Care%20participants%20transition,and%20retain%20any%20unspent%20funds.">lower incomes and assets</a> – will not pay more. The government has provided case studies to illustrate how <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/case-studies-support-at-home_0.pdf">home care</a> and <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/case-studies-residential-care_0.pdf">nursing home</a> costs will differ under the new system for people at various income and asset levels. Still, planning for aged care can be daunting. For more <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/financial-support-and-advice">tailored advice and support</a>, consider reaching out to financial advisors, <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/aged-care-specialist-officer-my-aged-care-face-to-face-services?context=55715">services</a>, or online tools to help you navigate the changes and make informed decisions.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244816/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anam-bilgrami-1179543">Anam Bilgrami</a>, Senior Research Fellow, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/planning-for-old-age-heres-what-the-aged-care-changes-mean-for-you-244816">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

Woman opts to end her own life while waiting for aged care help

A heartbroken son has shared the devastating story of how his chronically-ill mother decided to end her own life rather than endure a months long wait for aged care funding. After a hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care Bill, it was determined that tens of thousands of Australians are waiting to receive their home care packages after being approved for the financial support. Home care packages, which are government-funded through MyAgedCare allow Australians to access support in their own home, including nursing, food preparation, cleaning and help with personal hygiene. It is intended to stave off or avoid moving into costly residential aged care, allowing elderly Australians to remain at home longer. However, 2GB's Ben Fordham spoke to one devastated man about his mother Ellen's struggle with accessing her funds, as she ultimately died waiting for her support. "My mum suffered severe COPD for several years while she was waiting for an upgraded package," Mark told the program. COPD is short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a progressive inflammation in the lungs and airways that makes it difficult to breathe. "Her pride wouldn’t allow any of her boys to take care of her or to bathe her so she got approved for the assisted dying and actually a few months ago proceeded with (it)." He added, "She passed while waiting for the upgraded package." Fordham was devastated by the call and the suffering of so many vulnerable people. "We are chasing answers from the Australian government on this because people are dying while waiting for home care packages," he said. "When you’ve got Ellen choosing euthanasia instead, you know that you’ve got a serious problem." Image credits: 2GB

Caring

World's oldest man passes away aged 112

The world's oldest man has passed away aged 112. John Alfred Tinniswood held the title of world's oldest man for nine months and marked his 112th birthday during his reign, which sadly came to an end on Monday when he passed away in a care home northwest England near Liverpool. His family confirmed his death in a statement, saying that the centenarian spent his final day "surrounded by music and love". Tinniswood, who was born on 26 August 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, became the UK’s oldest man in 2020. In April 2024, he was recognised as the world's oldest man by the Guinness Book of Records. Tinniswood, who worked as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972, attributed his longevity to "pure luck". "You either live long or you live short, and you can't do much about it," the great-grandfather told the Guinness World Records in April. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC1Lp79NvYI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC1Lp79NvYI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Guinness World Records (@guinnessworldrecords)</a> </div> </blockquote> He also said that moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smoked, rarely drank and followed no special diet, apart from his ritual of having fish and chips every Friday. "If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much — if you do too much of anything — you're going to suffer eventually," Tinniswood said. His family also said the great-grandfather had an "active retirement", volunteering as a church elder in Blundellsands United Reform Church where he also gave sermons. They have paid tribute to him, saying: "We would like to thank the many people in the UK and across the world who sent well wishes to John on his recent birthdays. "He really appreciated these birthday greetings and other messages of support." "John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf , [we] thank all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies care home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff." Tinniswood lived through two world wars and served in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II. He is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The world's oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116. Image: Instagram/ Guinness World Records

Caring

Historic Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Older Australians will now receive greater support to live at home for longer among other reforms to aged care. On Monday, the Albanese Labor Government's Aged Care Bill passed Parliament, meaning that older Australians and their loved ones will have access to a better quality system. The bill will provide in-home help and improve conditions and protections for those living in aged-care facilities from July, with older people and their loved ones having a greater say about the care and services they receive. These include protections to speak up when they're not satisfied with a service, and better equipping providers to handle complaints more effectively. Around 1.4 million Aussies will receive support for nursing, occupational therapy and day-to-day tasks to help them live independently in their homes by 2035. The new $4.3 billion Support At Home system has been put in place with the hopes of improving home care wait times and will provide for home modifications and assistive technology to help older Australians maintain their independence for longer. The $5.6 billion package will be one of the largest improvements to the sector in 30 years, according to Aged Care Minister Anika Wells. “This act means that people will be the beating heart of a strengthened aged-care sector that replaces fear with trust,” she said. To help fund the cost of care, those not already in aged or home care will have to make contributions for non-clinical care costs, but the amount they pay would depend on their income and assets. The most anyone would pay for these independence and everyday living costs would be e $130,000 after the the lifetime contribution cap was raised from $76,000. The Commonwealth will remain the main funder of aged care. While the government will spend $930 million over the next four years, the new structure will save the budget $12.6 billion over the next 11 years. Image: Shutterstock

Retirement Income

Original Bee Gees star passes away aged 78

Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has passed away aged 78. News of his death was posted on the official Facebook page of tribute band Best of the Bee Gees. “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” they began. “He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. “Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.” Petersen who was one of the original members of Australian band Bee Gees was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, has been credited for contributing to the band's rise to global superstardom. He was the band's first drummer and performed some of their most beloved songs including Massachusetts, To Love Somebody and Words. Petersen attended the same school in Redcliffe, Queensland as bandmates and brothers Barry Robin and Maurice Gibb, where he first developed an interest in music. After graduating, Petersen moved to the UK to break into the film industry, before he joined the Bee Gees in the 60's becoming the first non-Gibb brother to join the group. “There was an understanding that when the Gibbs’ arrived in England, that if the film thing didn’t work out, I’d join their band,” Petersen told Geelong Independent in 2022. “So I became the fourth Bee Gee, and that was obviously a big turning point in my life.” He left the band after the first phase of their career, just before they reached peak stardom in the '70s disco era, due to conflicts with the group's then-manager Robert Stigwood. Petersen moved back to Australia with his family in 1974, and in 2019 he joined the tribute group Best of the Bee Gees. His death comes after Maurice's sudden death in 2003, which prompted the Bee Gees to retire after 45 years. Robin later died in 2012 aged 62, leaving Barry, Vince Melouney and Geoff Bridgford as the last surviving members of the group. Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne Newfield and their sons Jaime, born in 1971, and Ben, born in 1976. Image: Everett Collection/ Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Balance declines with age, but exercise can help stave off some of the risk of falling

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evan-papa-1433146">Evan Papa</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/tufts-university-1024">Tufts University</a> My wife and I were in the grocery store recently when we noticed an older woman reaching above her head for some produce. As she stretched out her hand, she lost her balance and began falling forward. Fortunately, she leaned into her grocery cart, which prevented her from falling to the ground. Each year, about <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6537a2.htm">1 in every 4 older adults experience a fall</a>. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injuries in adults ages 65 and older. Falls are the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00298717">most common cause of hip fractures</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1553-2712.2000.tb00515.x">traumatic brain injuries</a>. Injuries like those are also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199710303371806">risk factors for placement in a nursing home</a>, where the fall risk is <a href="https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-121-6-199409150-00009">nearly three times higher than for people living in the community</a>. A number of physical changes with aging often go unseen preceding falls, including muscle weakness, decreased balance and changes in vision. I am a <a href="https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/evan-papa">physical therapist</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T9B_dHQAAAAJ&hl=en">clinical scientist focused on fall prevention</a> in older adults, commonly ages 65 and older. I’ve spent most of my career investigating why older adults fall and working with patients and their families to prevent falls. <h2>Why aging leads to increased risk of falls</h2> Aging is a process that affects the systems and tissues of every person. The rate and magnitude of aging may be different for each person, but overall physical decline is an inevitable part of life. Most people think aging starts in their 60s, but in fact we spend most of our life span <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fgeront%2Fgnv130">undergoing the process of decline</a>, typically beginning in our 30s. Older adults are more prone to falling for various reasons, including age-related changes in their bodies and vision changes that leave them vulnerable to environmental factors such as curbs, stairs and carpet folds. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ztPbKP68P2Q?wmode=transparent&start=24" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Some straightforward measures to improve the safety of the home environment for older adults can significantly lower the risk of falls.</figcaption></figure> Based on my experience, here are some common reasons older adults may experience falls: First, <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23167-sarcopenia">aging leads to a natural loss of muscle strength</a> and flexibility, making it more challenging to maintain balance and stability. The loss of strength and poor balance are two of the most common causes of falls. Second, older adults often have chronic conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or diabetes that can affect their mobility, coordination and overall stability. In addition, certain medications commonly taken by older adults, <a href="https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.18f12340">such as sedatives</a> or <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.14764">blood pressure drugs</a>, can cause dizziness, drowsiness or a drop in blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of falls. Age-related vision changes, such as reduced depth perception and peripheral vision and difficulty in differentiating colors or contrasts, can make it harder to navigate and identify potential hazards. Hazards in the environment, such as uneven surfaces, slippery floors, inadequate lighting, loose rugs or carpets or cluttered pathways, can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02499-x">significantly contribute to falls among older adults</a>. Older adults who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have limited physical activity may also experience reduced strength, flexibility and balance. And finally, such conditions as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can affect judgment, attention and spatial awareness, leading to increased fall risk. <h2>Theories of aging</h2> There are numerous theories about why we age but there is no one unifying notion that explains all the changes in our bodies. A large portion of aging-related decline is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3295054/">caused by our genes</a>, which determine the structure and function of bones, muscle growth and repair and visual depth perception, among other things. But there are also numerous lifestyle-related factors that influence our rate of aging including diet, exercise, stress and exposure to environmental toxins. A recent advance in scientific understanding of aging is that there is a difference between your <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-you-a-rapid-ager-biological-age-is-a-better-health-indicator-than-the-number-of-years-youve-lived-but-its-tricky-to-measure-198849">chronological age and your biological age</a>. Chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve been on the Earth. Biological age, however, refers to how old your cells and tissues are. It is based on physiological evidence from a blood test and is related to your physical and functional ability. Thus, if you’re healthy and fit, your biological age may be lower than your chronological age. However, the reverse can also be true. I encourage patients to focus on their biological age because it empowers them to take control over the aging process. We obviously have no control over when we are born. By focusing on the age of our cells, we can avoid long-held beliefs that our bodies are destined to develop cancer, diabetes or other conditions that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2012.07.024">have historically been tied to how long we live</a>. And by taking control of diet, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors you can actually <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111%2Facel.13538">decrease your biological age</a> and improve your quality of life. As one example, our team’s research has shown that moderate amounts of aerobic exercise <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188538">can slow down motor decline</a> even when a person begins exercise in the latter half of the life span. <h2>Fall prevention</h2> Adopting lifestyle changes such as regular, long-term exercise can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.5406">reduce the consequences of aging</a>, including falls and injuries. Following a healthy diet, managing chronic conditions, reviewing medications with health care professionals, maintaining a safe home environment and getting regular vision checkups can also help reduce the risk of falls in older adults. There are several exercises that physical therapists use to improve balance for patients. It is important to note however, that before starting any exercise program, everyone should consult with a health care professional or a qualified physical therapist to determine the most appropriate exercises for their specific needs. Here are five forms of exercise I commonly recommend to my patients to improve balance: <ol> <li> Balance training can help improve coordination and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/proprioception">proprioception</a>, which is the body’s ability to sense where it is in space. By practicing movements that challenge the body’s balance, such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe, the nervous system becomes better at coordinating movement and maintaining balance. A large research study analyzing nearly 8,000 older adults found that balance and functional exercises <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd012424.pub2">reduce the rate of falls by 24%</a>. </li> <li> Strength training exercises involve lifting weights or using resistance bands to increase muscle strength and power. By strengthening the muscles in the legs, hips and core, older adults can improve their ability to maintain balance and stability. Our research has shown that strength training can also lead to <a href="https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s104674">improvements in walking speed and a reduction in fall risk</a>. </li> <li> Tai chi is a gentle martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and shifting body weight. Research shows that it can improve balance, strength and flexibility in older adults. Several combined studies in tai chi have demonstrated a 20% reduction in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd012424.pub2">number of people who experience falls</a>. </li> <li> Certain yoga poses can enhance balance and stability. Tree pose, warrior pose and mountain pose are examples of poses that can help improve balance. It’s best to <a href="https://theconversation.com/yoga-modern-research-shows-a-variety-of-benefits-to-both-body-and-mind-from-the-ancient-practice-197662">practice yoga</a> under the guidance of a qualified instructor who can adapt the poses to individual abilities. </li> <li> Flexibility training involves stretching the muscles and joints, which can improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. By improving range of motion, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3990889/">older adults can improve their ability to move safely</a> and avoid falls caused by limitations in mobility. </li> <li> Use of assistive devices can be helpful when strength or balance impairments are present. Research studies involving the evaluation of canes and walkers used by older adults confirm that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2004.04.023">these devices can improve balance and mobility</a>. Training from a physical or occupational therapist in the proper use of assistive devices is an important part of improving safety. </li> </ol> When I think back about the woman who nearly fell in the grocery store, I wish I could share everything we have learned about healthy aging with her. There’s no way to know if she was already putting these tips into practice, but I’m comforted by the thought that she may have avoided the fall by being in the right place at the right time. After all, she was standing in the produce aisle.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204174/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evan-papa-1433146">Evan Papa</a>, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/tufts-university-1024">Tufts University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/balance-declines-with-age-but-exercise-can-help-stave-off-some-of-the-risk-of-falling-204174">original article</a>. </div>

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Readers response: What’s the best advice you’ve received on staying healthy as you age?

We asked our readers what the best advice they’ve received on staying healthy as you age is, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Fred Pilcher - Don't smoke. That's the most important advice you're likely to get. If you do smoke, quit now. Today. I've lost parents and friends to lung cancer and emphysema - both terrible ways to go. (I say this as a former two pack a day addict.) Kate Caddey - Stay as fit as you can. Walk, do the stretch, balance and dance offerings. Travel the slightly harder way with ups and downs included. Stay curious about people you meet and about everything in general. Never stop learning. Marie Jones - Keep laughing. Gloria Hickey - Keep active, but wish I had been told to have my B12 added to yearly blood work too. Peter Connolly - Best advice I got was "Whatever you do, go out with a bang. There is absolutely no point in lying in bed in a hospital, dying of nothing!" Terry Dolman - Enjoy being happy. It takes more energy to be grumpy than smile. Plus, a good Friend in Vietnam now said "don't carry the past plus a drink of whisky a day." Heather Dixon - Keep busy. Lydia Poli - Enjoy the ride while you can! Marlene Cochrane - Don't stop moving. Both physically and mentally. Karen Ambrose - Keep dancing! Image credits: Shutterstock

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Readers response: What’s the best advice you’ve received on staying healthy as you age?

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