More than half of the world’s population will go through menopause but there are still roadblocks stopping older women from having quality health and well-being outcomes pre and post menopause. That’s why menopause is the focus of this year’s Women’s Health Week and the annual National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) Summit.
Following Women’s Health Week, this Summit will spotlight health issues faced by women as they progress towards menopause and beyond, how older women can be empowered to manage their health into older age and showcase pioneering programs aimed to promote the health and well-being of older women.
Along with Director of Monash University’s Women’s Health Program Professor Susan Davis, attendees will hear from Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous, Health and Aged Care Federal Assistant Minister, Ged Kearney, and more.
Older women in leadership roles will also reflect on how they are driving their own initiatives to promote respect and inclusion for themselves and others.
The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) have said safe, effective and evidence-based treatment options are available to treat menopausal symptoms, yet most women are not accessing them.
“The majority of postmenopausal women will experience symptoms with 28% having moderate to severe symptoms that will impact on their capacity to work, to look after their families and themselves” said AMS President, Doctor Karen Magraith.
NARI Director, Professor Briony Dow said experts at the Summit will explore the myriad of challenges older women face, and how healthcare systems, Government policies, and communities can be adapted to better support them.
“Older women are often excluded from clinical trials and risk factors and symptoms for a range of health conditions are based on men, meaning women’s health concerns are often dismissed or not taken seriously, a situation which is compounded as we age,” she said.
“NARI is delighted to be bringing together a diverse group of experts from across our industry and beyond to exchange ideas, experiences, and help inform what healthy ageing looks like for Australian women.”
The Summit with consist of four sessions and rounded out with a robust panel discussion which include:
The Summit will be held Friday, September 15, 9am-4pm at Australian Unity, Melbourne. To register for the Summit, visit the NARI website.
