Is Independence Just a Myth? Rethinking Ageing with Assoc Prof Elissa Burton (Listen)

Is Independence Just a Myth? Rethinking Ageing with Assoc Prof Elissa Burton (Listen)

In this episode of I’m Too Old for This, Cath sits down with Associate Professor Elissa Burton from Curtin University’s School of Allied Health — a self-described “pracademic” who lives at the intersection of research and real-life aged care. Together, they explore what it really means to grow older and stay in control. Elissa shares why independence matters so much as we age, and how small, realistic changes can make a big difference — even if you feel like you’ve “left it too late” to start moving more. They unpack some of the big myths about ageing, how to plan before a crisis hits, and look at why emotional wellbeing and social connection often get pushed to the side in favour of blood tests and check-ups. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more → https://pod.link/1797257590 [https://pod.link/1797257590] 📖 Dive deeper into I'm Too Old For This, transcripts + more → https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast [https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast] Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/ [https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/] TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod [http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod]

Still Her Dad: A Father's Journey Through Love, Aging, and Disability (Listen)

When Bruce Langoulant’s daughter Ashley contracted meningitis as a baby, it changed everything. In this heartfelt episode, Bruce shares how that moment sparked decades of advocacy, from vaccine awareness to navigating the NDIS and championing better disability support. He chats with Cath about building the Meningitis Centre, working alongside Professor Fiona Stanley, starting D-Dads, for dads of kids with disability, and why succession planning matters, whether in business or care. It’s a story of grit, community, and what it really means to leave a legacy. A big thank you to Bruce for his participation. You can discover more of his work at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DDADSWA/⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/DDADSWA/] 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more → ⁠https://pod.link/1797257590⁠ [https://pod.link/1797257590] 📖 Dive deeper into I'm Too Old For This, transcripts + more → ⁠https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast⁠ [https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast]   Follow us: Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/] TikTok: ⁠http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod [http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod]

Home Sweet Home? The Future of Aged Care and Staying Independent Longer (Part 2) (Listen)

Maria Davison returns to explore the deeper complexities, and possibilities, of ageing well at home. From assistive technology to home care pricing, regulation, and the dignity of risk, Maria and Cath unpack what really matters in creating safe, connected, and sustainable aged care services. Maria and Cath ask bold questions: Can a robot vacuum free up more meaningful time with clients? What if respite care happened in a hotel instead of a facility? And how do we balance innovation with regulation, while keeping human connection at the center? This episode dives into why aged care needs to evolve—and how we can do it together. A big thank you to Maria Davison for her participation and Melville Cares for their support. You can discover more of their work at https://melvillecares.org.au/ [https://melvillecares.org.au/] 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more → https://pod.link/1797257590 [https://pod.link/1797257590] 📖 Dive deeper into I'm Too Old For This, transcripts + more → https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast [https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast]   Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/ [https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/] TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod

Home Sweet Home? The Future of Aged Care and Staying Independent Longer (Part 1) (Listen)

In this first of a two-part episode, Cath chats with Maria Davison, CEO of Melville Cares, about what it really takes to help older Australians stay independent at home. From her early experiences in aged care to leading one of Perth’s largest home care providers, Maria shares why connection—not just care—is key to ageing well. Cath and Maria discuss the emotional impact of leaving home, the role of community in preventing loneliness, and the challenges of an aged care system in transition. A big thank you to Maria Davison for her participation and Melville Cares for their support. You can discover more of their work at https://melvillecares.org.au/ [https://melvillecares.org.au/]   🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & more → https://pod.link/1797257590 [https://pod.link/1797257590] 📖 Dive deeper into I'm Too Old For This, transcripts + more → https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast [https://brightwatergroup.com/podcast]   Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/ [https://www.facebook.com/im2oldforthis/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/im2oldforthis_pod/] TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod [http://tiktok.com/@im2oldforthispod]

Talk to Me, Abi: A Heart-to-Heart with Aged Care’s Cleverest Robot (Listen)

Robots might sound like science fiction, but for Grace, they’re deeply personal. She’s the creator of Abi — Australia’s first companion robot — and together, they’re changing the way we think about care, connection and the future. In this episode, Grace opens up about the inspiration behind Abi, the challenges she’s faced, and the surprising bond she’s built with her creation. From unexpected emotional moments to the serious question of safety, it’s a fascinating look at how technology can bring comfort, support and even a sense of companionship — especially for older Australians. A big thank you to Grace and Abi for their participation and Andromeda [https://www.dromeda.com.au/] for their support.