Healthy ageing in rural and regional Australia is the focus of a workshop being organised by Charles Sturt University (CSU) as part of its 2014 Explorations Series.

Health and ageing in rural communities will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 29 May in the Wal Fife Lecture Theatres (building 14) at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

Facilitating the workshop is Associate Dean of CSU's Faculty of Science Associate Professor Gayle Smythe and aged care nursing lecturer and researcher Dr Maree Bernoth from the University's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health.

"We hope the workshop will identify research and education priorities in rural and regional health care and lead to the formation of a regional research network in health and healthy ageing," said Dr Bernoth.

"Ageing and remaining healthy is significant for quality of life across the life span. It is particularly important for those in regional and rural areas because of the issues of service accessibility, isolation and transport.

"But we need to know what is relevant to older people themselves. What are their perspectives on the meaning of healthy ageing; what are their aspirations as they age; and how can researchers give them a voice?  What role do service providers have in supporting healthy ageing?"

The workshop, which is open to the public, will bring together academics, senior staff and clinicians from area health services and local health districts, as well as aged care service providers.

"By forming such collaborative networks of complementary and shared expertise, we have a co-ordinated approach and shared vision about regional research and education that lead to regional outcomes," Associate Professor Smythe said.

Guest speakers include Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Science Professor Tim Wess and Executive Director of Population Health and Programs with Murrumbidgee Medicare Local, Ms Christine Howard.

Dr Bernoth said, "Some of the healthy ageing issues for rural and regional Australia are the health and well-being of farmers through succession planning and the transition to retirement; health literacy education for older people; and services and programs aimed at extending independent living and limiting hospital visits eg programs to prevent falls."

This free, public event is part of Charles Sturt University's (CSU) 2014 Explorations Series – a Community-University Partnership program which aims to engage our rural and regional communities in discussion and debate about major issues facing our regions, the nation and the world. Read more in CSU News here.