Ageing Matters Podcast

As Australia enters the first full year under the new Aged Care Act, we examine the key policy, funding, and system challenges shaping the sector in  2026. Ageing Australia CEO, Tom Symondson, and General Manager, Policy & Advocacy, Roald Versteeg, reflect on the transition to the new legislative framework, ongoing implementation pressures, and the lessons learned from recent reforms.  They discuss major Senate inquiries into the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Aged Care Act, the future of support at home, and the growing crisis in residential aged care investability and bed supply. They highlight Ageing Australia’s advocacy approach, member engagement, and strategic priorities for the year ahead. Ageing Matters is proudly brought to you with the support of Ageing Australia  ageingaustralia.asn.au 

India is undergoing one of the fastest demographic shifts in the world. With its ageing population set to more than double to 347 million by 2040, the scale of change is reshaping how nations think about care, housing, workforce and investment for older people. In this episode of Ageing Matters, we are joined by Mansur Dalal, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Association of Senior Living India, to explore what this transformation means - not only for India, but for Australia and the global ageing ecosystem.  Drawing on his deep experience across senior living, investment and policy, Mansur explains why seniors living in India is “an idea whose time has come”, the urgent need for system design and workforce solutions, and how technology can help India leapfrog traditional models of care - without losing compassion.  The conversation also explores the opportunities for Australian providers, investors and educators to partner with India across real estate, wellness, age-tech and workforce development, as well as Mansur’s call for a dedicated Indian Ministry for Seniors to respond to the needs of 147 million older people.  This episode builds on insights shared in the Summer 2025 edition of Aged Care Today and continues Ageing Australia’s global conversation on ageing, innovation and sustainable care systems.  Ageing Matters is proudly brought to you with the support of Ageing Australia ageingaustralia.asn.au 

With the new Aged Care Act now in effect, providers are navigating early implementation challenges and seeking clarity on what’s working and what still needs to settle. Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson and General Manager Policy and Advocacy Roald Versteeg unpack the key issues members are raising, emerging sector patterns, and what they’re hearing from government and agencies leading the transition.  MORE INFORMATION  https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/  [email protected]  Ageing Australia 1300 222 721  Department of Health, Disability and Ageing  https://www.health.gov.au/