Thursday Three - 26 JUNE 2025 

  • Introducing new #AAGConf25 keynote speaker: Dr Michael Lowe
  • AAG 500 Blog Dr Elissa Burton: Academic writing - it’s not just about peer-reviewed publications!
  • AAG SA Division: Robert Penhall Award closing soon!

 

Winners of the AAG Membership renewal prize!

Congratulations Diana Matovic, Kate Wang, Nola Ries, Sally Fraser, Annie Hepworth, Rakiza Hussein,
Paul Dignam, and Shelby Cantwell – you’ve all won a copy of A Lasting Conversation: Stories on Ageing
 for renewing your AAG membership before 30th May!

Haven’t renewed yet? Renew your membership today and continue to take advantage of the many benefits of AAG membership, including:

Access to AAG’s exclusive online

Full access to AAG webinars, recordings, and resources.

Increased activities related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ageing.

Eligibility to apply for grants through the AAG Research Trust.

Discounted registration for the annual AAG Conference.

Not a member? Join today!

Introducing new #AAGConf25 keynote speaker - Dr Michael Lowe

AAG is excited to promote our latest confirmed speaker joining a stellar group of ageing thought leaders at our national conference this November in Mpartnwe, Alice Springs!

Dr Michael Lowe, is a Community Geriatrician based in Darwin. His distinguished career spans roles as Community Physician for the NT, Clinical Dean at Flinders NT Clinical School, and General Physician at Royal Darwin Hospital. He previously served as Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at Fiji School of Medicine. Michael is co-author of Ethics and Law for the Health Professions and has published widely in ethics, medical education, and geriatric care.

He has played a key role in expanding memory services alongside AAG member and Clinical Dementia Nurse (retired), Caroline Phillips, and contributed to the planning of Palmerston Hospital with AAG member and Clinical Nurse Manager, Mary Ingrames (also AAG Conference Committee Co-Chair). Though now semi-retired, he remains active in dementia care and service development.

At the AAG 2025 Conference, Michael will reflect on delivering geriatric care across the vast NT, sharing experiences, service impacts, and research shaping remote aged care.

Visit the AAGConf25 website for more information as our conference program develops. You can also secure your spot at this sure to be unforgettable event by registering today!

AAG 500 Blog Elissa Burton: Academic writing - it’s not just about peer-reviewed publications!

This month’s AAG500Blog features commentary from AAG Board member and immediate past AAG WA Division Chair (2019 - 2022), Elissa Burton, on the impacts of blogging as an extension to academic writing:

Things have changed a lot over the years. Where it was once all about how many grants we received and the number of publications pumped out each year, now it’s about translation and the impact our research has on society, beyond academia. At the start of 2024, I began to blog because I wanted to directly reach older people and the health professionals working with them. I now have over 250 subscribers receiving my posts each month, with over 2,700 views to date. The most surprising thing has been the diverse locations of my followers…

Read more here, and catch up on previous AAG500Blog posts on the AAG website.


Have you considered writing for the AAG500Blog series?
Blogging is an excellent way to practice concise writing, promote your research, share professional experience or career highlights. You may also like to get the conversation going regarding a new idea, insight or discovery! AAG 500 Blog is published bi-monthly. You can forward your topic ideas and draft blogs to [email protected]. We request that all blog submissions be kept to as close to 500 words as possible. AAG reserves the right to edit your submission before publication.

AAG SA Division: Robert Penhall Award closing soon!

To promote gerontological research in South Australia, the AAG SA Division is offering an award for researchers developing their profile in gerontology. Eligible applicants include current PhD students or those awarded a PhD in the past five years, who reside in South Australia.

The award aims to recognise achievements, encourage ongoing research, and promote current ageing research. It is open to researchers who have published or presented work in one of the following categories (summarised points):

  • Applied Research: Original work aimed at applying new knowledge or methods.
  • Strategic Research: Knowledge generation addressing health and wellbeing needs, risk factors, inefficiencies, or inequities.
  • Evaluative Research: Work assessing the impact or effectiveness of a program, project, or service.
  • Fundamental/Basic Research: Research addressing significant scientific questions.

 The award includes:

  • A certificate of achievement
  • A $1,500 prize
  • One-year AAG membership
  • An opportunity to present at the 2026 South Australian Gerontology (SAGe) Conference.

Check out the selection criteria and complete the online application form today!

For further information, contact A/Prof Rachel Ambagtsheer via email at [email protected].

Applications close: 4th July 2025