Healthy Ageing and
Aged Care
Supporting healthy ageing across the North Coast
The North Coast is home to one of Australia’s fastest growing older populations. By 2030, almost one in three people will be aged over 65, increasing demand for integrated primary health care, aged care services and preventative approaches that help people stay healthy, independent and connected to their communities.
Healthy North Coast works alongside general practice, residential aged care homes, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, hospitals, allied health providers and community organisations to strengthen the health system and improve outcomes for older people across the region.
Our approach recognises that healthy ageing is more than aged care. It is about supporting people to maintain their health and wellbeing throughout later life through prevention, early intervention, coordinated care and access to the right services at the right time.
Guided by the Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023–2027 and insights from our Health Needs Assessment, we use local evidence to understand the needs of older people, identify gaps in care and inform how we plan, commission and support services across the North Coast. Working with health professionals, aged care providers and community partners, we aim to improve access to care, strengthen the workforce, support innovation and respond to the changing needs of our ageing population.
Healthy Ageing Strategy
The Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023–2027 provides the framework for improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the North Coast. Developed through research, systems modelling, community consultation and co-design, the Strategy guides investment, partnerships and service planning to support healthier ageing across the life course.
The Strategy focuses on four priorities:
- Improving lives now
- Securing a healthier future
- Working together as one health system
- Ensuring no one is left behind
Together, these priorities support integrated care, prevention, digital innovation, workforce development and stronger partnerships that enable older people to live well and age well.
Supporting older people on the North Coast
The North Coast is experiencing significant demographic change. In 2021, more than one in four people living across the region were aged 65 years and over—substantially higher than the NSW and Australian averages.
By 2041, the number of people aged over 65 is projected to increase by almost 30 per cent, while the number of people aged 85 years and over is expected to increase by more than 80 per cent. This growth will place increasing pressure on health services, aged care, workforce capacity and community support systems.
30% increase
Projected for people aged over 65 in the North Coast by 2041
Our work in healthy ageing and aged care
We commission and supports services and initiatives that help older people across the North Coast access better connected, timely and person-centred care. By working with general practice, residential aged care homes, health services and community organisations, we aim to make it easier for older people to access the right support, stay well and independent for longer, and receive coordinated care as their needs change.
Our work focuses on improving access to primary care, strengthening care in residential aged care, supporting people to navigate the aged care system, improving palliative and dementia care, and building a skilled and connected workforce. We also support aged care providers to respond to system reform, new models of care and emergencies, helping create a stronger and more responsive health and aged care system for older people across the North Coast.
Healthy ageing and Aged Care Programs & initiatives
Discover the areas we work across to improve health outcomes for every person on the North Coast.
Lead teams with confidence: Clinical Skills & Telehealth Trainer Program for Aged Care Nurses
A program that helps aged care educators and clinical leaders build telehealth, communication and clinical decision-making skills to share across their teams.
Building Nurse Capacity – Healthy Ageing and Aged Care
A bespoke, free education and support program helping nurses in primary care and residential aged care build confidence and capability to support people from mid life to life
