In this episode of The Better Ageing Podcast we're focusing on a topic that is often referred to as functional decline, however we love looking at things on the bright side, so we're instead talking about functional health! 

Functional health is a broad term that refers to the physical, cognitive and social ability to go about our normal daily lives (and continue to do all the wonderful things that we enjoy too!).

In particular in this episode we define what functional health and functional decline are, what some of the triggers for a decline in functional health might be, the signs to look out for, and of course, how we can maintain and improve our own functional health as we get older.

As always, we hope this episode helps you better understand your own health and wellbeing and how you can care for those you love too.

Show notes/ topics covered:

0:22 - Welcome 
1:03 - Functional health not functional decline
3:24 - A functional decline example 
5:54 - Identifying the markers of potential decline 
7:51 - Other triggers to look out for 
12:43   - How can we maintain functional health? 
14:27 - Simple tips to follow 
15:32 - Final thoughts 

About the experts: 

Jason Lee and Dr Jane Fyfield have over 45 years of experience working with elderly Australians. Jason Lee runs his own physiotherapy practice, with a focus on strength and conditioning programs for over 60 year olds. Dr Jane Fyfield works as a consultant to aged care services, is a former Medical Director, and has worked in the public, private and government sectors as a clinician and a non-clinical consultant.