• Charles Sturt University challenges myths about ageing and offers current research evidence to support healthy ageing and age-friendly communities

On Wednesday 22 July Charles Sturt University will launch a free online course designed to increase knowledge about ageing and later life for community members and prospective students.

The course will also challenge common myths and misconceptions that often surround ageing.

The University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre will work with industry partners as part of the Leadership in Healthy Ageing Network (LiHA) which has devised the Understanding Ageing online course.

Charles Sturt University Lecturer in the Master of Gerontology Ms Robin Harvey and Lecturer in social work and gerontology Dr Belinda Cash, both with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Albury-Wodonga, are facilitating the launch of this new course.

Ms Harvey, in collaboration with Dr Cash, developed a free online course for those with an interest in healthy ageing and to encourage prospective students towards a career in ageing or aged care.

“This free online course aims to challenge old ways of thinking about ageing and give people knowledge to grow older with wellbeing, and within inclusive and supportive health services and communities,” Ms Harvey said.

“We want to dispel myths about older people through the provision of an interactive, free online program and create easy access to information, based on current research evidence, to set up the living conditions for health and active ageing in the future.

“As our ageing population increases, Understanding Ageing will be a valuable resource for individuals and workers to access in order to provide a more inclusive communities for older adults.”

To register for the course, or to attend the launch, visit the Eventbrite website.

Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines will officially launch the course on Wednesday 22 July at midday.