Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health
Breaking Taboos is a ten-part conversational podcast about ageing and mental health. The episodes explore how older Australians experience mental health, focusing on depression in later life, creating social connections, intergenerational living, experiences of grief, retiring and transitioning into aged care, late-life gender transition, living with HIV/AIDS as an older person and how some people don't want to talk about their experiences to avoid burdening others.
The series seeks to inform listeners about diverse mental health experiences, raise awareness about challenges faced by older adults, and celebrate the wisdom that comes with lived experience.
The podcast is produced by Dr Helene Thomas and Professor Mia Lindgren, with host Professor Kate Burridge.
Breaking Taboos is funded by the Australian Research Council for the national project "De-tabooing depression and anxiety: Mental health communication in older age", led by researchers from Monash University, Corvinius University of Budapest and the University of Tasmania.
Breaking Taboos explore topics that can be difficult to listen to. Please take care and seek help if needed (Australian resources):
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
- Older Persons Mental Health Services | Check with your local health district
- Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 | Support for those caring for older adults
- Head to Health | www.headtohealth.gov.au (for finding local mental health services)
- Griefline | 1300 845 745
- ACON - HIV Support- 02 9206 2000 | https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/hiv-support/
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia - 02 7209 6301 | https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/services_and_supports
Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health
Episode 1: The pursuit of happiness in aged care
For this episode - The pursuit of happiness, our producer Helene Thomas spent time inside an aged care home in southern Tasmania.
Every Wednesday morning, retirees Geoff Atkins and Phil Hoysted play a game of trivial pursuit with some of the residents there. The activity room turns into a hot-bed of competitiveness and cheekiness, making it the highlight of the week.
We meet Alan and Margaret, both lovers of the trivial pursuit extravaganza, and both are very appreciative of Geoff and Phil volunteering their time.
Alan and Margaret share what it was like moving into the home and how they find living there.
The bonds that have been formed between Geoff, Phil and the residents have made a profound difference to their lives and help them navigate the ups and downs of ageing.