Relationships in later life: what the data reveals

Описание: What this webinar is about:

Briohny Kennedy and Nick Tebbey from Relationships Australia National share key findings from Relationships Australia’s nationally representative Relationship Indicators survey.

While the survey wasn’t designed to measure elder abuse specifically, it reveals valuable information about potential risk factors, protective influences and the support networks older people rely on. All of these factors are highly relevant to elder abuse prevention.

Understanding how older people experience relationships – the connections they value, the challenges they face and the support they seek – can better inform prevention, intervention and policy responses.

Drawing on data from the 2022 and 2024 Relationship Indicators surveys, this presentation will explore the relational landscape of older Australians. This nuanced picture can help guide clinicians, researchers and policy makers.

Our presenters explore:

Patterns of social connection and loneliness in later life
How older people seek help or support in difficult situations
Who they turn to, what influences those decisions and the barriers they encounter
What the data suggests about opportunities to better prevent and respond to elder abuse.

These insights will help inform practice and policy for those working to support older people and safeguard their wellbeing. This is a must-see webinar for professionals working in elder abuse prevention and response as well as policy makers, researchers, clinicians and advocates seeking deeper understanding of the lives and relationships of older Australians.

A little bit about our presenters:

Briohny Kennedy – Research Communications and Projects Officer at Relationships Australia’s National Office

Briohny is a public health researcher with extensive experience in research project management and community development, having worked for two decades within the community, government and tertiary sectors.

Briohny is nearing completion of a PhD with the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, titled ‘Assault-related death and homicide in older Australians: an epidemiological study’.

Her earlier research background includes community nutrition, environmental sustainability, work-related fatalities and premature death in residential aged care services. Her interests include improving our understanding of interpersonal violence, recovery and resilience to trauma and other public health priorities.

Nick Tebbey – National Executive Officer, Relationships Australia Federation

After working for over a decade in private legal practice, Nick has worked for a decade in the community sector, including for the last 6 years with Relationships Australia, a leading provider of family and children’s services in Australia.

In his role as National Executive Officer at Relationships Australia, Nick is proud to be heading up a passionate National Office team, and representing the Federation in a range of policy, advocacy and research opportunities.

His team is responsible for delivery of Relationships Australia’s popular Neighbours Every Day campaign, promoting the benefits of social connection and belonging for everyone.