An online lecture regarding women’s healthy ageing was recently held at the University of South Australia Mount Gambier Campus in partnership with the Women’s Information Service last week.

The pre-recorded Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing event was led by expert in women’s health and University of Melbourne Healthy Ageing Program director Professor Cassandra Szoeke, joined by University of South Australia’s Professor Susan Hillier.

Prof Szoeke discussed important factors which contribute to healthy ageing, such as sunshine, a healthy diet, physical activity, social engagement and decreasing high blood pressure. She explored topics including mental health and how grand-parenting was found to be beneficial for cognitive health.

Prof Hillier said Prof Szoeke presented ageing as a triumph and turned ageing into a set of possibilities to age well and live younger.

UniSA Mount Gambier regional manager Ian McKay said attendance numbers were the largest since COVID-19 hit, with almost 60 people attending.

“It was an excellent evening, great speakers and an interested audience,” he said.

“The conversations after showed people found it really worthwhile.”

Women’s Information Service volunteers and current UniSA Mount Gambier social work students Kerry Bilney and Dee Osmond were happy with how the event went and said it showed how much people cared about their health.

Mr McKay thanked Patrick of Coonawarra for sponsoring the wine on the evening and attendees enjoyed a light supper provided by Donna Stone Catering. Prof Szoeke’s Book, Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing, is available at the Mount Gambier Library and can be purchased online.