As the inaugural Winthrop Professor of Geriatric Medicine at UWA, Leon Flickerâs position is testament to the fact that the aging population is of growing concern to Australia.
But according to the Winthrop Professor, growing old is not an automatic ticket to infirmary and dependence. Instead it can be an opportunity for growth and development.
In fact, staying young of heart and mind may also be the key to staying young in body. Research has indicated that the same advice people are given to stay healthy earlier in life, such as exercising and eating right, may also stave off the development of dementia and other debilitating conditions associated with old age.
âIf weâre going to talk about helping to prevent the impairment of the brain as we grow older, physical activity, ongoing intellectual activity, educationâthese are all very important.â
Completing his training in geriatric medicine in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne and gaining a PhD at the University of Melbourne, Withrop Professor Flicker shows that an Australian education can lead to gaining international recognition as a leader in your field.
As our young country grows older, the work of Flicker will prove increasingly important.
