Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics have taken the adage of 'listen to your elders' literally in a new book about healthy ageing and aged care in Australia and New Zealand.

The textbook, Healthy Ageing and Aged Care is edited by Dr Maree Bernoth and Dr Denise Winkler and published by Oxford University Press.

It takes a fresh approach to the subject by letting elderly Australians and New Zealanders tell their personal experiences of ageing.

Associate Professor Bernoth, from CSU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health said, "Students preparing to enter a range of professions will now hear about ageing from those who are living it.

"We are particularly grateful to the volunteers and clients of the Wallsend Area Community Carers," Professor Bernoth said.

"This group, which has been providing support for older people in the western suburbs of Newcastle for 32 years, generously allowed us to film their monthly luncheon and interview volunteers and clients.

"The help and generosity of this group was integral to our ability to produce this textbook. It is one in which elderly Australians share their extensive experience for the benefit of student learning and growth.

"Ultimately we want this book to support the learning of the next generation of professionals so they will be equipped to provide high quality care for older people in the community and in aged care - both in Australia and New Zealand."

The book's online resources for students includes nine video case studies from elderly Australians, carers and volunteers and an audio interview with a Wiradjuri woman.

Healthy Ageing and Aged Care includes chapters on the experience of ageing as an Indigenous Australian and as a Maori Person. It also describes the experience of intimate relationships as people age, ageing in rural areas, family relationships, leisure and recreation, policies in Australia and New Zealand which impact on ageing and aged care, managing the health of elderly people in prison or those who are homeless, dementia, vulnerabilities and abuse, end of life care, and mental health.

The 33 contributors – including a number of CSU academics – cross a range of disciplines from nursing in acute and aged care, to social work, psychology, exercise science, ethics, palliative care and dietetics.

The book Healthy Ageing and Aged Care will be launched at 11am on Tuesday 8 November in the office of the Wallsend Area Community Carers, Shield's Lane, Wallsend in Newcastle.

Professor Bernoth is a senior lecturer and researcher in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Dr Winkler is an educational designer in the University's Division of Student Learning in Wagga Wagga.

The CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Read more here.