| R U OK? is calling on communities to ask Australians aged 65 and over, ‘are you OK?’ any day because life happens every day. |
The reminder comes as the World Health Organisation reports mental health conditions among older people are often under recognized and under treated, and the stigma surrounding these conditions can make people reluctant to seek help.[1]. “We know that sadly help-seeking remains low among seniors in our communities[2],” said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK? “This can be due to stigma, lack of available services and accessibility.” “There are many areas of life that improve as we age including a greater sense of wisdom and empathy from life’s experiences. It can also be a time of life that comes with new challenges; health, relocation, loss, isolation, or difficulties completing tasks that were once simple – any of these can lead to friends, family members or neighbours becoming disconnected from their community and support networks,” Ms Newton added. R U OK? research has found an overwhelming majority (90%) of people who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected, and cared about. “We see an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action,[3]” said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK?. “However, we know life happens every day. Our message to all those living in Australia is don’t wait; Ask R U OK? Any Day because a meaningful conversation could change a life.” R U OK? Community Ambassador Garry Semmens, 70, from Shepparton, agrees there’s a need for R U OK? conversations throughout the year. “Struggling with your mental health can happen on any day of the year,” said Mr Semmes. “Asking R U OK? Any Day is more than saying just hello. It’s about regular connection, mateship, and really looking out for the people you care about. How many of us actually check in a week or two after we’ve had a chat to see how that person is going? When someone has done that for me, I always know that person really cares.” Mr Semmens’ wife, Shirley Semmens, 68, also an R U OK? Community Ambassador agrees R U OK? conversations can make a difference. “A simple chat can mean everything to a friend or loved one who might be struggling,” said Mrs Semmes. “For me, the most crucial thing about asking, ‘are you OK?’ is to make space to listen to the response.” R U OK? has dedicated resources to encourage regular, meaningful R U OK? conversations with seniors in your community. The R U OK? ‘Your natter matters’ resources provide practical tools and tips to recognise the signs that a senior in your life might be struggling. Resources also include activities and stories of connections to help friends, families and neighbours to ask, ‘are you OK?’. All R U OK? resources are free and available at ruok.org.au. “A lot can happen in a year, a month, or even a week,” said Ms Newton. “Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day, “By checking in regularly with the people close to you, you can help prevent small things from becoming big things,” continued Ms Newton. R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action is Thursday September 12, 2024 when we remind everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day. Visit ruok.org.au for free tips and tools to build a R U OK? Culture across your year. Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au. MensLine Australia offers 24/7 free and confidential telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online at mensline.org.au. 13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76). |
