The Rural Ageing and Lifestyle Group at Charles Sturt University is planning a National Rural Conference on Ageing. This project will bring together people from rural and regional areas for discussion and activities with the aim of assisting older people from these areas to network on their activities.

The project will not only encourage older people to participate in and lead these workshops but also to be involved at the planning and implementation stage.

The workshops are being organised in conjunction with the University of the Third Age Albury-Wodonga and Age Concern Albury-Wodonga and will be held on 8th-10th July, 1999.

Contact: Ms Celia Bevan, Director, Rural Ageing & Lifestyle Group, Charles Sturt University Tel: (02) 6051 6977 Fax: (02) 6051 6989 email:cbevan@csu.edu.au

Older People and Medications

TRANX has auspiced a number of projects related to medicines, health and older people. At present a project is underway that is examining older people and the use of medications, both prescription and over the counter. This project is funded by the Department of Human Services, Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

The project looks at the range of issues older people (65 years +) have with medications. There is a huge variation between the healthy and medication needs of those over 65, as there is in their state of health and lifestyle needs. Issues which are arising include stereotypical attitudes of health providers and older people. Communication between doctors, hospital staff and health professionals with older people is also a significant issue. There are particular difficulties experienced by people with chronic illness, dementia and those of non-English speaking backgrounds.

The project research is illustrating that the issues concerning older people and medication may be as much a matter of communication, and attitudes as they are of medicine itself.

TRANX is a not for profit organisation working with people who are dependent on tranquilisers and sleeping pills. TRANX offers telephone counselling support, face to face counselling and support groups.

Contact: Ms Gwenda Cannard, Executive Director,TRANX, Tel: (03) 9889 7355 Fax: (03) 9889 1022tranx@alphalink.com.au

Intergenerational Creativity and The Hammond Group

The Hammond Care Group, a charity specialising in aged care and dementia services, has a particular commitment to promoting positive ageing. Its upcoming projects aim to promote positive images of ageing, intergenerational creativity and learning. The projects will involve photography of subjects, interviews, performers and subjects for biographies.

The "Images of our Elders" photographic exhibition and competition has attracted significant interest with confirmed subjects such as Al Grassby, Betty Johnson, Swami Sarasvati and Dr Joan Croll. Competition Enquiries have doubled on the 1998 figures.

"Timelines" is an intergenerational CD attracting artists like Deborah Conway, Don Burrows and Karma Country with a special guest appearance from Gough Whitlam.

The Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge Award for primary school children is also underway, with Dame Leonie Kramer and illustrator Julie Vivas gearing up for judging early next year.

Contact: Ms Helen Carter, Communications Manager, The Hammond Care Group Tel: (02) 9248 0403 Fax: (02) 9299 3792 email:hcarter@hammond.com.au

AAG Conference

The AAG is holding its National Conference in Melbourne on October 15-17th October. Each state and territory division of AAG will be reporting on its plans for 1999 and the National Council will be announcing several initiatives for the International Year that will promote networking and recognition of professional activities in ageing. Speakers in the Closing Plenary Session at the Conference, "Looking Forward to 1999: The International Year of Older Persons in the Asia Oceania Region", will preview prospects for the year from the perspectives of government, non-government organisations, intergenerational relationships and international exchanges.

For further details please contact the AAG Secretariat in Adelaide
Tel: (08) 8201 7552 Fax: (08) 8201 7551 email:aag.sec@flinders.edu.au

Approach of Churches of Christ

Churches of Christ Community Care has initiated a Seniors Committee under the direction of its chaplain. The committee consists of senior people who are developing activities and services for older people in churches and the community. Churches of Christ is also developing a partnership with the MS Society and other groups to present a seminar in 1999 looking at providing support services for lonely older people in residential accommodation and their own homes. Also, residents from the Churches of Christ aged care facilities are taking part in an international postcard project.

Contact: Mr Trevor Giles, Executive Director,Churches of Christ Community Care, Tel: (03) 9819 0711 Fax: (03) 9819 0120

"Take Control" of Weak Bladders and Bowels

A new National 1998 Helpline will be launched on 29 September for people with poor bladder and bowel control.

The Helpline will focus on enhancing the quality of life of all Australians with continence nurse advisors assisting Helpline callers by offering free, professional and confidential advice on the various forms of incontinence that affect all age groups. In older age groups, incontinence tends to be both more common and severe occuring in up to 40% of people over 75 years of age.

As part of a national campaign under the banner "Take Control", the Helpline will support community awareness of incontinence - an often misunderstood condition, that often can be treated, prevented or even cured.

The Helpline is a first point of contact for people with incontinence, their friends and carers with advisers referring concerned callers to appropriate health professionals, service and product providers. The National Continence Helpline is a joint initiative of the Community Foundation of Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services' Staying at Home package.

Anyone wanting more information should call the National Continence Helpline between 8.00am and 8.00pm daily. Tel : 1800 33 00 66 Other enquiries to Continence Foundation of Australia can be directed to: Peter Schmidt, CEO, Tel: (03) 9347 2522 Fax: (03) 9347 2533 Email: peter@contfound.org.au

National Video for Carers

National Centre for Ageing & Sensory Loss is developing a video for family carers and health care providers on working with older people with hearing and visual impairments. Channel 9 is producing the video, and it will be available nationally. This valuable project has been commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs. The video forms part of a larger program being developed by the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss that includes two day seminars for family carers and health care providers that will be conducted initially around metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Enquiries: Mr Rick Osborn, National Centre for Ageing & Sensory Loss, Tel: (03) 9598 8555 Fax: (03) 9598 4158 Email:rosborn@ozemail.com.au

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