On the Healthy Ageing Podcast, Dr. Des is joined by Nurse Practitioner Kelly Arthurs. With 30 years of nursing experience, Kelly has spent the past two decades specialising in palliative care.

Throughout her career, she has worked as both a clinician and educator, delivering expert symptom management and high-quality end-of-life care across diverse settings, including palliative care units, residential aged care, community services, paediatrics, as well as private and public hospitals.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Bollen from Bollen Health joins Healthy Ageing Specialist Dr. Des to address five prevalent myths about ageing and frailty, aiming to enhance the ageing experience for everyone.

1. "You are 85, and there’s nothing we can do to help you…what do you expect at your age?"

2. "Frailty is a part of normal ageing."

3. "You can’t build muscle after age 70."

4. "My doctor told me I should not eat eggs as they are bad for my cholesterol."

5. "I am on this medication for life, because my specialist said so many years ago."

Dr. Des engages in an insightful conversation with Adam, a clinical nurse specialist based in Northern Sydney, about the complexities of delirium. They delve into the various causes of this condition and explore a range of strategies that can be implemented in the hospital setting to provide better care for those affected. The discussion highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention, as well as the role of a multidisciplinary approach in managing delirium effectively.

With 17 years of nursing experience, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to the topic. He is currently dedicated to developing comprehensive educational programs and policies for staff aimed at enhancing the management of delirium in acute care settings.

Dr. Des sits down with Dr. Tim Hucker, a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Director of Northern Beaches Pain Management, for an in-depth conversation about chronic pain.

Dr. Tim Hucker brings a wealth of expertise as a pain specialist, particularly in managing back and neck pain, joint-related pain, nerve pain, pelvic pain, and cancer-related pain. He is deeply committed to a holistic approach to pain management, striving to enhance the quality of life for his patients and the wider community.

Dr Des speaks with Steve Collins, Founder and CEO, of My Way Up and a physiologist with a BASc degree, dedicated to revolutionising gut health. With over 20 years of experience, Steve developed a deep interest in the intricate connections between the gut, body, and brain.

Dr Des talks with Jordan Loveridge who is a vestibular physiotherapist that has completed several advanced courses in vertigo and vestibular management.  He presents webinars

Dr Des chats with Anna Sterken, Anna is the Director of Client Experience and Governance at Home Instead and has nearly 25 years’ experience in community and aged care, including as a Registered Nurse. During her career, Anna has witnessed a huge number of changes in the sector over this time.

Dr Des talks to Tom Gross, a physiotherapist.  Beginning his career as a locum clinician for aged care and is now currently working in community and in-patient rehabilitation. He has a keen interest in orthopaedic physiotherapy and works closely with patients suffering from osteoarthritis from all ages, including those having undergone joint replacement surgery.

Dr Des chats with Jillian, an experienced Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist with expertise in the hospital and health care industry.  Jillian currently works in private practice and performs clinical, medico-legal, and consultancy work.  She has a particular passion for early and accurate Dementia diagnosis, Healthy Ageing and how to remain Mentally Active as we age.

Dr Des talks to Basia Kmita, who is an Occupational Therapist Specialist Medical Driving Assessor accredited with Transport for NSW Licence Review Medical Unit to perform Occupational Therapy medical driving assessments including complex vehicle modifications.  Basia has also recently been appointed as an Ambassador for Porsche Australia and shares their vison to be “driven by dreams”.  As a Specialist Medical Driving Assessor, Basia envisages the dreams of others through driving and to see her older patients and clients continue to smile behind the wheel maintaining their driving independence means everything to her.

Basia is also an Independent Medical Consultant for MLCOA, Consultant Occupational Therapist, Writer and Medical Presenter.