National Healthy Ageing Day
National Healthy Ageing Day celebrates the everyday actions that build independence, connection and confidence, turning healthy ageing from concept into action.
The issue
Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, with 65+ and 85+ cohorts projected to nearly and more than double respectively, increasing pressure on families, communities and care systems, and demanding a stronger focus on prevention, restoration and capability‑building.
What is healthy ageing
Healthy ageing is the process of developing and maintaining functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age—built on holistic wellbeing, self‑efficacy and capability over chronology.
- Functional ability: the capacity to keep doing what matters.
- Holistic wellbeing: physical, mental, cognitive, social, and nutritional health.
- Self-efficacy: confidence to act, plan for, and adapt to challenges.
- Capability over chronology: biological age and functional reserves matter more than birth date.
How we address the issue
iLA powers action through LiveUp (community) and Keep Able (sector), translating wellness and reablement into practical steps so people can maintain or regain function and independence—adding life to years and supporting ageing at home for longer.
Inspiration
Explore articles, activities and habit ideas that show how small steps—like joining a group, adding balance exercises, or trying helpful products—build confidence and connection over time.
Positioning paper
The National Healthy Ageing Day Position Paper outlines the case, philosophy and sector alignment for a unifying national moment focused on “Keep doing what matters.”
