The New Face of Ageing: Implications for Nursing & the Future of Healthcare
Cruising Tangalooma, Moreton IslandCarnival Splendor | Departing Sydney
20 June – 24 June 2027
Less Fluff, More Stuff — Wound Care that Works
Outline
CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:
When we hear the words ‘aged care’, many of us picture a nursing home. Yet only around four per cent of older Australians actually live in residential aged care. The other ninety-six per cent are the people we see every day in emergency departments, medical wards, operating theatres, oncology units, renal services, general practice, rehabilitation, community nursing and outpatient clinics.
This conference isn’t about residential aged care. It’s about the people who are quietly reshaping every part of our healthcare system.
Australia is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in its history. People are living longer than previous generations, often with multiple chronic conditions, greater functional complexity and higher expectations of the healthcare system. At the same time, advances in technology, artificial intelligence, personalised medicine and new models of care are transforming how health services are delivered. Together, these changes are reshaping nursing practice across every clinical setting.
Nurses working in emergency departments, primary care, acute care, perioperative services, mental health, rehabilitation, community nursing and specialist services all provide care to older adults with increasingly complex health needs. Understanding the physiological, psychological, social and technological influences on ageing has become an essential component of contemporary nursing practice.
This conference explores the changing face of ageing through a future-focused lens. Participants will examine the impact of population ageing on healthcare delivery, challenge ageist assumptions, explore contemporary approaches to chronic disease management, frailty, medication safety and cognitive health, and consider how consumer expectations are influencing person-centred care. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, remote monitoring and digital health, will also be explored alongside new models of care that support independence, healthy ageing and ageing in place.
Importantly, this conference asks participants to look beyond today’s healthcare system and consider what nursing may look like in the decades ahead. As science, technology and society continue to evolve, nurses will play a central role in ensuring that care remains evidence-based, compassionate and responsive to the needs, values and expectations of future generations of older Australians.
By combining contemporary evidence with practical strategies and forward-thinking discussion, The New Face of Ageing will equip nurses with the knowledge and confidence to provide an exceptional nursing service to the people who will increasingly shape the future of healthcare.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At this Conference, participants will:
- Analyse the impact of population ageing, chronic disease and changing consumer expectations on nursing practice and healthcare delivery across diverse clinical settings.
- Apply contemporary evidence to the assessment, planning and delivery of person-centred care that promotes healthy ageing, independence, safety and quality of life for older adults.
- Evaluate the influence of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and evolving models of care on the future of nursing and healthcare for an ageing population.
- Integrate ethical, person-centred and age-inclusive principles into clinical decision making to optimise outcomes for older people, their families and carers.
YOU WILL ALSO LEARN:
- The demographic, social and technological trends transforming healthcare for an ageing population.
- How changing patterns of chronic disease and multimorbidity are reshaping nursing practice across all healthcare settings.
- The difference between healthy ageing, frailty and disability, and strategies to promote independence and functional wellbeing.
- How unconscious ageism can influence assessment, communication and clinical decision making, and practical approaches to providing age-inclusive care.
- Contemporary approaches to comprehensive assessment and person-centred care for older adults with complex health needs.
- Evidence-informed strategies to reduce medication-related harm through safe prescribing principles, medication review and deprescribing.
- The impact of changing consumer expectations, health literacy and shared decision making on the nurse-patient relationship.
- Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, wearable devices, remote monitoring and digital health, and their potential to enhance nursing care.
- Innovative models of care that support ageing in place, integrated community services and the future of residential aged care.
- Best practice approaches to promoting cognitive health and recognising and responding to delirium, dementia, depression and other conditions affecting older adults.
- Practical communication strategies for navigating advance care planning, goals of care, ethical decision making and other challenging conversations.
- Contemporary, evidence-based approaches to falls prevention that focus on maintaining mobility, confidence and independence.
- How future developments in genomics, precision medicine, artificial intelligence and healthcare delivery are likely to influence nursing practice over the coming decades.
- Practical strategies that can be immediately applied to improve the safety, quality and person-centredness of care for older people across diverse healthcare settings.
CPD HOURS: 12
Our Presenter:
SUE WALKER
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC (PALCARE), MACN, Specialist Nurse Educator
Sue is an Australian nurse educator, conference director and CPD specialist with extensive experience in clinical practice, leadership, education and public health. She is the Director and Co-Founder of Nurses for Nurses and a key contributor to Nursing CPD, where she helps deliver evidence-based education and professional development programs for nurses and midwives across Australia and internationally.
Sue holds qualifications in nursing, health administration and public health, along with postgraduate studies in gerontology, psychiatry of ageing, chemotherapy administration and training and assessment. Her career has included frontline nursing, senior management and education leadership.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: nurses and midwives are not just the backbone of healthcare, they are critical decision-makers whose knowledge, judgement and advocacy directly influence patient outcomes and system safety. Sue’s goal is to ensure nurses and midwives are supported and professionally empowered to meet the growing complexity of modern healthcare while sustaining long, fulfilling careers.
The Cruise Ship: Carnival Splendor
It’s hard to tell which onboard space best represents Carnival Splendor — they all seem to hint at the amazing time you’re going to have. El Morocco Lounge hosts comedy shows, musical performances, karaoke and more… and wears its 1930s namesake clearly on its nameplate. The words “Royal Flush Casino” incite visions of winning, while our onboard jazz club — The Cool — simply says it all without saying a word. And Fahrenheit 555™ can be found not only at the height of elegant dining, but at the actual apex of the ship.
If you like your fun to flow, there are options aplenty. If you list “splishing” and “splashing” among your favorite things to do, there’s Carnival WaterWorks™. Those into sitting and sliding are invited to try the all-new Green Lightning thrill-slide. How about floating or swimming around? Carnival Splendor has pools all over the place, including the midship pool featuring a retractable roof that makes any day a pool day. So whether you splish or splash, you’ll find hydro-excitement galore.
If relaxation is your thing, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™ is more your place. Or if you’re looking to take relaxation to the extreme, direct your attention to the Cloud 9 Spa™, featuring more (and better) ways to kick back than just about anywhere else, on land or at sea. You haven’t lived until you’ve relaxed in a Thalassotherapy pool, or chilled — so to speak — in a dry heat chamber.
The Program: The program content is provided by expert Nurse Educators with extensive clinical and education experience. The education content provided in this program meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program. No matter what conference you attend you always need accommodation a cruise ship provides a great all-inclusive* accommodation option to enhance your Conference experience. Education at Sea and The Nurses for Nurses Network combine great education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Nursing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.
The Online Library: The Library has been created so that you have access to some of the Conference content prior to our sail date. The documents, including self-directed activities and webinars, from our Conference Presenter, are provided so that you can create your own conference experience and access information and sessions of interest prior to the commencement of the Conference program.
Disclaimer: The opinions and statements of facts expressed in the Papers in these proceedings are those of the Authors and do not necessarily represent those of Education at Sea (EAS) or the Nurses for Nurses Network (NfNN), the editors, the organising committee or the supporters of this Conference. The organisers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in the individual papers. Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. EAS and NfNN reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.
Itinerary
| Day and Location | Events |
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Day 1: 20th June 2027 Departure: Sydney |
3.30pm: We set Sail! As you depart Sydney, you’ll cruise through one of the world’s most spectacular harbours. Be sure to head out on deck with your camera as you sail past the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House—the perfect way to begin your journey. 5pm to 6pm: Conference Registration and Welcome Function |
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Day 2: 21st June 2027 At Sea |
Morning 9am to 10am: The New Face of Ageing Australia’s population is ageing, but today’s older person is very different from previous generations. Advances in medicine, improvements in public health and changing lifestyles mean people are living longer, often with multiple chronic conditions while remaining active, engaged and determined to maintain their independence. As the number of older Australians continues to grow, nurses across every healthcare setting will increasingly care for people with complex and evolving health needs. This opening session explores the demographic changes shaping healthcare, challenges common myths about ageing and examines the opportunities and challenges created by increased longevity. Participants will gain an understanding of why ageing has become one of the defining healthcare issues of the twenty-first century and why every nurse, regardless of their clinical specialty, needs a sound understanding of contemporary ageing. 10am to 11am: Ageism: The Bias We Rarely Talk About Unlike many other forms of discrimination, ageism often goes unnoticed in healthcare. Assumptions about what is “normal” for older people can influence assessment, diagnosis, treatment decisions and even communication with patients and families. These unconscious biases may lead to poorer health outcomes, reduced independence and diminished quality of care. This session examines how ageism presents in everyday nursing practice and explores practical strategies for recognising and challenging age-related stereotypes. Participants will reflect on how language, attitudes and clinical decision making can either support or undermine the dignity, autonomy and wellbeing of older adults while promoting a more inclusive approach to healthcare. 11am to 11.30am: Break 11.30am to 12.30pm: Living Longer with Chronic Disease Many older adults now live for decades with one or more chronic health conditions, making complexity rather than diagnosis the defining feature of modern healthcare. Nurses are increasingly required to coordinate care across multiple conditions while balancing treatment goals, quality of life, functional ability and patient preferences. This session explores the realities of caring for people living with chronic disease and highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration and person-centred care. Participants will consider how nursing practice can move beyond treating individual diseases to supporting people to live well despite ongoing health challenges. 12.30pm to 1pm: Frailty More Than Just Age Frailty is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, nor is it simply a reflection of chronological age. It is a clinical syndrome that increases vulnerability to illness, functional decline and adverse health outcomes, yet it can often be identified early and managed effectively. This session explores the biological and functional changes associated with frailty, including the important roles of nutrition, sleep, physical activity and sarcopenia. Participants will examine strategies to maintain function, promote recovery and support healthy ageing while recognising opportunities to intervene before frailty leads to significant loss of independence. 1pm to 2.30pm: Lunch 2.30pm to 2.30pm: The New Consumer Today’s older adults are changing the relationship between healthcare professionals and consumers. Baby Boomers and early Generation Xers have different expectations from previous generations, with many seeking greater involvement in healthcare decisions, increased access to information and personalised care that reflects their individual values and preferences. Future generations are likely to expect even more. This session explores how changing consumer expectations are reshaping nursing practice and considers the importance of shared decision making, health literacy, cultural diversity and respectful partnerships in delivering contemporary healthcare. Participants will examine how nurses can adapt to these changing expectations while maintaining safe, evidence-informed care. 3.30pm to 4pm: Medicines in an Ageing Population Medicines play an essential role in managing chronic illness, yet they also represent one of the greatest risks to older adults. Polypharmacy, altered pharmacokinetics, adverse drug events and inappropriate prescribing contribute significantly to hospital admissions and reduced quality of life. This session examines the unique challenges associated with medication management in older people and explores strategies to reduce medication-related harm. Participants will discuss medication review, deprescribing principles and practical approaches to supporting safe, effective medicine use across a range of healthcare settings. 6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together Join us at the designated meeting spot to catch up and discuss the events of the day. The conference Facilitators and Presenter will be at the venue to answer any of your queries. |
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Day 3: 22nd June 2027 Tangalooma, Moreton Island |
Tangalooma on beautiful Moreton Island is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife and exciting outdoor adventures. Once ashore, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the island’s unique natural environment through a range of optional activities. Some of the experiences available include:
Activity availability is subject to the cruise schedule, local operating conditions and weather. Please check onboard for the latest information and booking details. 6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together |
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Day 4: 23rd June 2027 At Sea |
9am to 10am: Technology, AI and the Future of Ageing Healthcare is entering an era where technology is transforming the way care is delivered. Artificial intelligence, wearable devices, smart homes, remote monitoring and virtual healthcare are creating new opportunities to support independence, detect deterioration earlier and improve access to services. At the same time, these innovations raise important ethical, professional and practical questions for nurses. This session explores how emerging technologies are changing the experience of ageing and considers how nurses can embrace innovation while ensuring technology complements, rather than replaces, compassionate, person-centred care. 10am to 11am: Rethinking Aged Care The future of aged care extends far beyond residential facilities. Increasingly, healthcare systems are supporting people to remain independent and live safely in their own homes for as long as possible. Community-based services, Hospital in the Home programs, new accommodation models and integrated care pathways are changing how care is delivered. This session examines the evolving landscape of aged care and explores innovative approaches that place independence, choice and quality of life at the centre of service delivery. Participants will consider how nurses can contribute to models of care that better meet the expectations of current and future generation. 11am to 11.30am: Break 11.30am to 12.30pm: Brain Health and Cognitive Ageing Healthy ageing involves far more than physical health. Cognitive, emotional and psychological wellbeing are equally important in maintaining independence and quality of life. Older adults may experience delirium, dementia, depression, anxiety or social isolation, each presenting unique challenges for assessment and care. This session explores common conditions affecting brain health and highlights the importance of early recognition, effective communication and evidence-based nursing interventions. Participants will examine strategies to promote cognitive health while supporting both individuals and their families through often complex healthcare journeys. 12.30pm to 1pm: Difficult Conversations Some of the most important conversations nurses have with older people involve uncertainty, changing health status and planning for the future. Discussions about decision-making capacity, goals of care, advance care planning and end-of-life wishes require skill, empathy and confidence. This session explores practical communication strategies that support respectful, person-centred conversations while helping individuals and families make informed decisions that reflect their values, preferences and priorities. Participants will also consider the ethical principles that underpin these discussions and the nurse’s role in advocating for patient-centred care. 1pm to 2.30pm: Lunch 2.30pm to 3.30pm: Falls Prevention: Beyond the Checklist Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury, hospitalisation and loss of independence in older adults, yet effective prevention requires much more than completing a risk assessment tool. Falls are often the result of multiple interacting factors including frailty, medication use, impaired balance, environmental hazards, vision changes and acute illness. This session explores contemporary approaches to falls prevention that move beyond compliance-based strategies to focus on comprehensive assessment, early intervention and maintaining mobility. Participants will examine practical, evidence-informed approaches that reduce falls while supporting confidence, function and independence. 3.30pm to 4pm: The Older Person of 2040 The final session looks beyond today’s healthcare system to consider what ageing and nursing may look like over the next two decades. Advances in precision medicine, artificial intelligence, genomics, robotics and predictive healthcare are likely to transform how disease is prevented, diagnosed and managed. At the same time, changing demographics, consumer expectations, workforce pressures and climate change will continue to influence healthcare delivery. This forward-looking session encourages participants to reflect on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and to consider how the nursing profession can continue to lead compassionate, evidence-based healthcare in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world. 6pm to 7pm: Farewell Function As this is our final evening together, join us as we celebrate the knowledge shared, the friendships formed, and the incredible nursing profession we are all proud to be part of. Complimentary drinks will be served, and guests are warmly welcome to attend. |
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Day 8: 24th June 2027 Sydney |
Disembark – Safe travels! |
For information relating to pricing, bookings, travel insurance and flights please complete the booking enquiry box or email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au
Disclosure: Cruise Itinerary, Seminar topics and Seminar Education program are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. Sessions are correct at time of publication. EAS and NfNN reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.
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Pricing
| Cabin Selection | Twin Share per person |
|---|---|
| Interior | Prices start from $639 per person (includes $200 on board credit for your cabin) |
| Ocean View Cabin | Prices start from $819 per person (includes $200 on board credit for your cabin) |
| Balcony Cabin | Prices start from $1019 per person (includes $200 on board credit for your cabin) |
| Single Occupancy Studio Interior Cabin | Prices start from $1233 per person (includes $200 on board credit for your cabin) |
| Conference Attendance Fee | $990 per delegate |
| Non-practising Nurse Registration | $290 |
**Prices are correct at the time of publication but change regularly so please take these as a guideline until you make a firm booking. Prices above are offered with onboard credit, though other fare offers are available. Please email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au for the correct costs on the date of enquiry.
What to do next:
To attend the conference, book your cabin and conference spot with our team, at Education at Sea. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due at time of booking with the balance payable by 30th March 2027.
So we can be sure we have booked your cabin correctly, please follow this link to fill out your booking form (here).
What’s included in your Conference Registration?
- A comprehensive conference program based on current best practice and meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program
- Access to experienced presenters eager to share their skills, knowledge, and passion with attendees
- Welcome function with drinks (travelling companions welcome)
- Farewell function with drinks (travelling companions welcome)
- Conference pack including a bag, pen, and lanyard (plus lanyards for guests) (this is important on a cruise ship to attach your room key, which becomes your lifeline on a ship) and additional information to support a fantastic conference experience
- Access to an online conference library with educational content, allowing you to complete pre-conference learning activities and tailor your own learning experience
- A conference transcript outlining each session, including session synopses and presenter details
- The opportunity to meet as a group in various conference open forums, in one of the many fabulous locations on the ship
- A Certificate of Completion for you to include in your CPD Portfolio
What’s included in your cruise cost?
- Accommodation
- All main meals onboard
- Entertainment (including production shows, guest entertainers, trivia, karaoke, dancing classes, movies and in-stateroom videos)
- The use of the ship’s many complimentary facilities such as swimming pools, gym, waterpark, waterslides, mini-golf, spas, table tennis, and library.
- Gratuities for Waitstaff and cabin attendants
Non-practising nurse registration includes:
- Inclusion in the Education at Sea / Nurses for Nurses travel group
- Welcome drinks on the first night at the registration function for you and your travelling companion
- Conference pack including a bag, pen, and lanyard (plus lanyards for guests)
- Access to any networking events held onboard
- Opportunity to book shore tours, including hospital visits
- Ability to attend a maximum of five conference sessions that pique your interest – you may not need CPD points, but you could still be interested in various health related topics
- Farewell function on the final night for you and your travelling companion
- Subscription to newsletters to stay informed about future travel events
Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure: Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please review our terms and conditions along with the cruise line terms and conditions found on our FAQ page. All deposits and seminar registration fee’s are non refundable. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea and the Nurses for Nurses Network will not be responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance at time of booking your cruise conference.
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