We deeply believe that every wrinkle holds a story, and every grey hair shines with the light of a life well-lived. Each day adds a new shade to the beautiful picture of one’s journey — painted with memories, laughter, love, and the lessons learned through struggle. Aging is not a loss, but a reminder of how deeply we have lived, felt, and given to the world. It is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the quiet beauty that comes with time. Yet, growing older doesn’t mean growing alone — though many seniors quietly face emotional challenges that often go unspoken. Aging, with all its grace and wisdom, also carries its own trials. The natural effects of time — health struggles, social isolation, or loss of independence — can sometimes bring feelings of sadness, uncertainty, or loneliness. But by recognizing and valuing these rich lived experiences, we can offer compassion, connection, and care that uplift the spirit. In doing so, we help ensure that every senior continues their journey with peace, pride, and a heart full of purpose. While ageing is a journey to be celebrated, it’s also important to understand the emotional realities that can come with it. Over the years, Australians aged 65 and over have enriched our communities with their wisdom and resilience. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this vibrant group makes up about 17% of the population, with nearly 9% experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, excluding dementia. Looking ahead, as this number grows to nearly one in four by 2065 (Australian Government, Department of Treasury – Intergenerational Report), we have a wonderful opportunity to prepare — by expanding support, raising awareness, and building strong connections — so that every senior can continue to live with dignity, joy, and purpose well into the future. Understanding Seniors’ Mental Health: Staying Strong, Connected, and Positive Stay Connected: Join social groups or MHFA support activities. Social interaction lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin, reducing loneliness and improving mood and memory. Focus on Emotional Wellness: Practice mindfulness or gratitude daily. This helps the prefrontal cortex regulate emotions and calms the amygdala, reducing anxiety and depression while boosting positivity. Seek Support: Use resources like the MHFA Supportive Mind App, peer groups, or counselling. Early help reduces stress, builds coping skills, and prevents mental health from worsening. Stay Active: Physical activity like walking or gardening releases endorphins and promotes neurogenesis. Mental activities like puzzles or reading strengthen neural connections, improving memory and attention. Routine Health Checks & Nutrition: Regular health check-ups and balanced nutrition are vital. Managing chronic conditions and eating well support brain health and overall well-being. Taking these steps can make a big difference in how seniors feel and thrive. With kindness, understanding, and support, every older person can enjoy life with dignity, connection, and joy. (Data and guidance adapted from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025.) A Lived Experience Perspective In my work as a physiotherapy professional, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how closely physical health and mental well-being walk hand in hand. Many seniors arrive seeking help with pain or mobility, but often, beneath the surface, there’s a quiet longing for connection and emotional renewal. Through gentle conversations — truly listening to their stories, celebrating every small step forward, and linking them with caring peer support — I’ve witnessed inspiring transformations. When seniors feel seen, heard, and valued, their confidence soars, their motivation strengthens, and their physical recovery flourishes. These experiences beautifully highlight that true healing is a whole-person journey, embracing both body and spirit. By weaving together compassionate care and emotional support, we empower seniors to rediscover joy, purpose, and hope, no matter their age. Families and carers also play a vital role in this journey — offering patience, companionship, and encouragement that remind seniors they are never alone. The Power of Counselling Counselling provides a safe and caring space for seniors to share their feelings, navigate grief or life changes, and rediscover purpose and confidence. With empathy and understanding, professional counsellors help build resilience, offer coping tools, and open new perspectives for growth. For many, it becomes a gentle reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength — and that emotional well-being has no age limit. Help Is Here — You’re Not Alone At Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), we’re dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of people from all walks of life through psychological counselling, peer support groups, webinars, and community awareness programs. Our goal is to create a society where every person — regardless of age — feels heard, valued, and supported. Through compassion, connection, and education, MHFA continues to empower individuals and communities to prioritise mental health as an essential part of ageing well. If you or someone you know could use support, MHFA is here to help. Visit www.mhfa.org.au to explore our programs, join a support network, or register for upcoming events. Together, through empathy, awareness, and action, we can make ageing not just longer — but brighter, healthier, and more connected for everyone. Co-authored by Zain Khalid Warraich and Neha Anand

Just like we aim to exercise on a regular basis, our wellbeing must also follow a similar regime. Now our brain can be good for a few things, but it may not be as useful if we fail to recognise that we need time to indulge in activities that soothe the mind. This World Mental Health Day, we want to encourage you to notice what makes you thrive. Prioritising your own wellbeing encourages growth in the right direction- being the best version of yourself. Why is mental health important? Reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), about 2 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 (22% or 4.3 million) have experienced a mental disorder. Yet, within 2020-2022, only 17.4% of Australians of this age group saw a health professional for their mental health. Mental health struggles are worldwide, and your wellbeing is challenged at the hands of your daily life. It is important to understand that your body and mind co-exist to shape your social and physical ventures. When struggling with your mental health, your ability to think, feel and act is affected by your current wellbeing levels. Practising healthy wellbeing habits extends not only to how you feel about yourself, but your social relationships with family, friends, colleagues and strangers. It can be difficult to avoid the mental stress in our lives, but with habits that boost your wellbeing, you can build resilience and the confidence to tackle them day by day. 7 Ways, 7 Days A simple and easy way to start prioritising your wellbeing is self-care! You can find below 7 ways to take steps towards bettering your mental health over 7 days. Day One – Journal your thoughts and feelings Journalling your thoughts is a great way to release any stress, tension or energy that is affecting your mental health. It provides a safe space where you can reflect and identify any of your needs you are neglecting and a first step into prioritising your wellbeing. Day Two – Watch the sunset with a cup of tea Something as simple as sitting down and having a cup of tea is an easy way to ground yourself and reset after a long day. Acts of self-care do not need to be dramatically planned events, it can be a small thing, like having your favourite drink, where you take the time to consider yourself. Day Three – Create a morning routine Creating a routine and sticking to it can be a great way to help us recharge, manage stress, motivate us to get out of bed and prioritise our happiness and health. An example of a morning routine could be; avoiding screens for the first 10 minutes of your day, treating yourself to a coffee and a five-minute meditation. Day Four – Reconnect with a friend Social connections are key in relieving overwhelming emotions and calming our nerves. Talking to someone that you trust and feel comforted by can feel like a huge weight off our shoulders. You can reconnect with a friend by text, via a phone call and over a coffee to improve both of your social wellbeing! Day Five – Write down three things you are grateful for Writing things down can enhance your mental clarity and boost mindfulness when reflecting on the things that bring you joy and happiness. It gives the opportunity for your brain the recognise the good things in your life, especially if you are experiencing mental hardships. Day Six – Listen to music and go for a walk Nature can be powerful in changing our perspective of our circumstances, providing awe and wonder that can be a natural mood booster. By combining this with exercise and music, we can regulate our emotions, boost our moods and increase self-esteem as an act of self-care. Day Seven – Watch your favourite feel-good movie Movies can be a wonderful tool to help us recharge, decompress and regulate. It provides an escape from our minds allowing us to connect and reflect on the story we are being told. Remember though, we are what we watch, so make sure the movie you pick is one that brings joy, not a true crime, sad story. Taking the first step! At the MHFA, we have many ways for you to prioritise your wellbeing such as our Wellness Hub, where we provide low-cost $30 counselling sessions or our Support Groups which cover a range topics such as bipolar, trauma anxiety and depression. To reach out for support you can visit https://www.mhfa.org.au/get-support There is no one way to support your wellbeing. Habits can be varied and tailored to you, but that’s what makes it’s so important. Recognising what makes you shine and making time for yourself, especially on days that get difficult. Co-authored by Nicolette Buick and Sarah Auslender