Australia's population is ageing rapidly — by 2057, one in four Australians will be aged 65 or over. The way we support older Australians to age well — maintaining health, independence, connection, and purpose — will define the quality of life for millions of Australians and the sustainability of the health and aged care systems. Grant funding supports healthy ageing programmes, falls prevention, senior volunteering, social connection, and the community services that help older Australians stay active and engaged.
Demographics
What healthy ageing means
Healthy ageing is not just absence of disease:
- Maintaining functional ability (doing what matters)
- Physical health and mobility
- Cognitive health (maintaining memory and executive function)
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Social connection and belonging
- Purpose and meaning
- Financial security
Risk factors for poor ageing
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Primary government funder of community services for older Australians:
- Social support (individual and group)
- Transport
- Domestic assistance
- Personal care
- Allied health (physiotherapy, OT, dietetics)
- Meals programmes
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Consumer-directed care for higher-needs older Australians — funded by government, delivered by providers.
Department of Health
State governments
State-based healthy ageing programmes and community support.
The Ian Potter Foundation
Older adult wellbeing and healthy ageing programmes.
National Seniors Australia Foundation
Research, advocacy, and programming.
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
Research into healthy ageing.
Benevolent Society
Older adult services and healthy ageing research.
Silver Chain Group
WA-based home care with philanthropic research component.
Gaming trusts
Equipment and programme grants for older adult organisations.
Community foundations
Local healthy ageing initiatives.
Physical activity
Exercise is the single most powerful intervention for healthy ageing:
- Group exercise programmes (walking groups, tai chi, yoga)
- Gym programmes adapted for older adults
- Swimming and aquatic exercise
- Senior games and competitions
- Online exercise for homebound older adults
Falls prevention
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation:
- Home assessment and hazard removal
- Exercise for balance and strength (most evidence-based intervention)
- Medication review (many medications increase falls risk)
- Vision and hearing assessment
- Otago Exercise Programme (home-based, evidence-based)
Social connection
Cognitive health
Mental health
Depression and anxiety are underrecognised in older adults:
- Mental health screening in primary care
- Older adult mental health services
- Bereavement support (older adults lose more peers and partners)
- Suicide prevention for older men (highest suicide rate of any demographic)
Nutrition
Malnutrition is common but underrecognised in older adults:
- Meals on Wheels programmes
- Community dining and meals
- Nutrition education
- Cooking programmes for isolated older adults
- Healthy eating for chronic disease management
Technology and digital
Purpose and contribution
Carers and families
Age-friendly communities
Intergenerational programmes — connecting older adults with young people — have strong evidence for wellbeing benefits for both groups:
- Older adults mentoring students
- Students visiting aged care
- Grandparent programmes in schools
- Digital mentoring (young people helping older adults with technology)
These programmes are growing and well-funded.
The prevention ROI
Preventing a fall that results in hip fracture saves approximately $30,000-50,000 in acute and rehabilitation care. Falls prevention programmes cost a fraction of this. Prevention ROI arguments are compelling for health funders.
Social connection as health
The health evidence for social connection is now as strong as exercise evidence. Applications that frame social connection programmes as health interventions — not just nice-to-haves — access health funders alongside social funders.
Rural and remote
Older Australians in rural and remote areas have less access to services, higher social isolation, and worse health outcomes. Applications addressing rural healthy ageing are well-positioned.
Men's ageing
Older men have the highest suicide rates of any group in Australia, and lower social connection than older women. Men's specific healthy ageing programmes (Men's Sheds, men's exercise groups, male peer support) are underserved.
Tahua's grants management platform supports healthy ageing funders and older adult services — with programme participant tracking, health outcome measurement, community reach data, and the reporting tools that help healthy ageing funders demonstrate their investment in active, connected, and purposeful lives for older Australians.