33 The Ageing Journey: A Guide for Daughters Supporting Their Parents Before and into Aged Care

In this episode I’m joined by Brenda Will, a Financial Adviser and Aged Care Specialist from Bruining Partners, who works with families navigating aged care decisions every day. In our discussion, we focus on the role daughters so often play as parents age, and what the ageing journey typically looks like from your perspective. Statistically, women make up the majority of carers in Australia, most commonly in their late 40s and 50s, and very often it is the eldest daughter who steps into this role by default.    To ground the conversation, we reflect on The Notebook — a story often remembered as a great romance, but one that also shows the later-in-life reality of ageing, dementia and long-term devotion. It’s a powerful reminder that love doesn’t stop at romance; over time, it often turns into responsibility, advocacy and presence.   Together, we walk through the typical ageing journey — from independence in the early 70s, through increasing support needs, to more complex care decisions later in life — and explore how a daughter’s role often evolves at each stage. We talk openly about the time commitment, emotional weight and mental load this role can carry, and why planning early matters not just for your parents, but for your own wellbeing too.   In this episode, we cover: Why daughters so often become the default carers for ageing parents What the ageing journey typically looks like from your 70s through to later life How care responsibilities increase over time The emotional and time burden many daughters carry When and why getting professional support can make a meaningful difference If this episode strikes a chord and you are either going to be or are already involved in caring for your parents, consider which stage of the ageing journey they’re currently in, what support feels realistic for you right now, and where you might need guidance.    If you’re starting to feel unsure or stretched, reaching out for help early can ease both the emotional and practical load. Brenda’s details are included below if you’d like support navigating aged care decisions.   https://bruiningpartners.com.au/our_team/brenda-will/