We are all living longer, so how can ensure we spend our days living with a sense of purpose, fulfilment and enjoyment?The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released a report in June 2023 that identified from 1967-2021, life expectancy increased by 13.7 years for males (to 81.3) and 11.2 years for females (to 85.4). During 2016-2018 Indigneous Australians life expectancy was 72 years for males and 77 years for females. What these statistics show us is that a) we have a long way to go in bridging the gap with First Nations healthcare and b) we are living increasingly longer.In today's episode I discuss the rise of depression in ageing Australians and how social connection can help overcome that.Small steps to increase connection can go a long way. A check in text each morning or a weekly chat with a neighbour can make a big difference to someones feeling of connection and value. Below are some simple ways to get more connected:Social Groups - book club, gardening group, Seniors choir, U3AGetting out in the community - shopping, appointments, exercise classFamily and Friends - regular contact and visitsVolunteering - local library, school groups, Meals on WheelsTalking to a neighbour - small conversations can make big connectionsYou can read the full Black Dog Institute Article on depression in older people here - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Depression-in-older-people.pdfTo read Professor Catherine Haslam's article titled 'Social connectedness and health in later life', click here - https://psychology.org.au/inpsych/2016/december/haslamTo sign up to the monthly Navigate Newsletter head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/newsletter. As always you can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and on Facebook @navigateagedcareauUntil next time! 

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