We’re supporting National Healthy Ageing Day

6 May 2026

On May 6, Australia will celebrate the very first National Healthy Ageing Day – a movement focused on helping every person stay independent and connected throughout life.

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, and this change affects all of us. As people live longer, we have the opportunity to rethink what ageing looks like across the nation. National Healthy Ageing Day highlights how healthy ageing approaches can help people stay strong, confident, and able to keep doing what matters to them as they age. Because we all have the ability to live well, not just live longer.

Research shows that around 75% of how we age is shaped by our lifestyle – the things we do, the routines we build, and the connections we maintain. That means you can take control of your ageing journey through lifestyle choices. Healthy ageing is shaped by these choices every day. This could be staying active through regular movement, finding an activity to stay connected, using assistive tools to support independence, or trying new things to keep your mind engaged. By committing to healthy ageing through simple changes, you’re committing to a life with greater meaning, purpose, vitality, and independence.

This year’s theme, “Keep doing what matters”, reminds us that small steps set the building blocks for long-term health and wellbeing. And it’s never too early to start. The choices we make in our 40s, 50s, and 60s can shape how well we age, influencing everything from our energy levels at work to our independence later in life.

COTA NT is proud to support National Healthy Ageing Day and invites all our community and partners to join us in supporting every person to stay stronger for longer.

Find out more about the tools available to you and how you can get involved at had.org.au