The Ageing Fabulously podcast is a new education resource for the aged care sector from LGBTIQ+ Health Australia’s Silver Rainbow program, giving aged care workers easy access to the issues important to older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people accessing residential and home-based aged care services.

Older LGBTI people have often experienced violence, isolation and stigma throughout their lives. The Silver Rainbow program aims to improve the understanding of aged care workers about the experiences of LGBTI people as they age and enter the Australian aged care system.

The Silver Rainbow program partners with LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations across Australia to deliver training to the aged care workforce to educate and promote inclusive practice to meet the needs of LGBTI older people. The program also works with aged care organisations to build their capacity to deliver culturally safe services through the development of inclusive policies and procedures in line with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Standards, and the Aged Care Diversity Framework and action plans.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia is the national peak health organisation for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse (LGBTIQ+) people.

Silver Rainbow Presents: Ageing Fabulously is part of Silver Rainbow’s work to improve the way the aged care system meets the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTI older people.

The short 15-minute podcast episodes are hosted by writer and theatre maker Maeve Marsden (she/her), who delves into the LGBTI acronym, inclusive language and pronouns, families of choice, and palliative care. Each episode focuses on practical tips and workplace examples that will assist aged care workers in providing aged care services to LGBTI older people.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia CEO Nicky Bath (she/her) said: “LGBTI older people need safe and affirming care, and aged care workers need to be given the knowledge and language to help provide that care. The Ageing Fabulously podcast gives these busy and dedicated workers this important information in an easy-to-digest format.”

“The Silver Rainbow team produced this innovative podcast in consultation with experts, aged care workers and LGBTI older people to ensure that both expertise and lived experience are combined in a way that aged care workers get the information they need to provide safe and affirming care,” Ms Bath said.

Silver Rainbow Presents: Ageing Fabulously is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts