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PAS 2026
In pursuit of healthier ageing
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Join us in May for a gathering of like-minded professionals, writes Positive Ageing Summit conference advisor DR TIM HENWOOD.
ast year’s Positive Ageing Summit left a strong impression on those who attended. Not simply because of the quality of the program, but also because reablement and positive ageing were finally given voice in a landscape dominated by conversations about care, compliance, and governance. Engagement was noticeable, with attendees both absorbing information and showing a shared purpose to support older Australians to remain capable, confident and engaged in their own lives. Across the two days, a common sentiment emerged: people felt like they had found their tribe. As a member of the organising committee, this response was both heartwarming and affirming. It demonstrated we had created something the sector had been waiting for. Positive Ageing Summit 2026 at Hilton Adelaide on 21–22 May builds on that momentum. And while there will be familiar faces, this year’s program leans into areas that will shape the future of ageing well. Technology is one such focus. Rather than chasing the next big thing, the discussion is grounded in practical realities, research, innovation and considerations for positive integration. Technology is already transforming aged care and wellness – from intuitive programming and wearables data to new communication channels and increasing uptake by older adults. Whether providers feel ready or not, the landscape is changing. Ignoring this shift is no longer a viable option. Another addition to the program is social and meaningful engagement. While the risks of social isolation are widely acknowledged, health, wellness and connection are still too often treated as separate service streams. An evidence-based approach challenges this. When programs are designed with an understanding of behavioural change, social prescribing and individual meaning, physical wellbeing and social engagement grow together.
Reablement, at its core, is not just about exercise or clinical intervention. It is about working within a person’s capabilities, supporting their goals and strengthening autonomy, confidence, and purpose. The summit will also feature a keynote from an internationally recognised leader in exercise and later-life health, alongside regulatory and government perspectives examining reform, sector direction and what effective reablement looks like within governance and compliance frameworks. Delegates can also expect practical workshops, experience tours and valuable exchange. For those considering attending, the proposition is straightforward: this is not just a conference, but a gathering of like-minded professionals committed to advancing the health of ageing Australians. Dr Tim Henwood is principal consultant at AgeFIT Solutions
Dr Tim Henwood
IN THIS SECTION:
38 Associate Professor Kim van Schooten, Zachary Bailey, Hilary O’Connell and Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman answer the question: How is technology improving positive ageing? 40 R achael Cook, Jacquie Molloy and Dr Natasha Reid talk about the social, spiritual and behavioural aspects of positive ageing and how they intersect.
42 M arcus Riley offers his positive ageing insights ahead of his keynote address, alongside a preview of other day 1 sessions
44 A preview of four opt-in masterclasses, offering delegates additional practical knowledge in nutrition, reablement, innovation and dementia care 46 P eter Williams shares OneCare’s wellbeing initiatives ahead of his keynote address, alongside a preview of other day 2 sessions 48 B ernard Morrison talks about winning the Inaugural Paul Johnson Award and more, alongside more on the award and PAS site tours 50 P roducts and services from exhibitors
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