Use It or Lose It
The United Nations has declared 1999 the International Year of Older Persons.
International Year of Older Persons provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate ageing as an important and rewarding stage of life.
Museum Victoria's Human Mind and Body Program in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute and proudly sponsored by Pfizer Pty Limited presented this dynamic public forum which addressed some important issues regarding the human mind and body and ageing.
The event kicked off with a tap dancing extravaganza presented by Isabelle Ryan’s Golden Tappers.
The Speakers and Performers
Isabelle Ryan’s Golden Tappers
Isabelle Ryan’s Golden Tappers are a group of tap dancers with a collective age of about 1072! The group formed about 8 years ago after they commenced tap dancing as adult beginners. Originally they started tap classes for a bit of exercise and to have some fun, many of them had wanted to tap all their lives and never had the opportunity.
The Golden Tappers, all aged 50+, now perform on a regular basis all over Melbourne, have made regular appearances on TV, and in 1997 undertook a tour to the United States. The Golden Tappers are living proof that life doesn’t end at 50!
Dr Andrea Horvath
Dr Andrea Horvath is Head Curator, Programs and Research, Museum Victoria. She is best known for her work as a popular science commentator and host of 3RRR's Einstein Au-Go-Go Radio Program on Sunday mornings.
Dr Dina LoGiudice
Dr Dina LoGuidice graduated from the University of Melbourne Medical School in 1985. Her PhD thesis focussed on the particular problems of elderly people with dementia and their carers. She continues to work as a Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine at North West Hospital, Parkville, and is a Senior Lecturer at the National Ageing Research Institute. Her main interests lie in assessment and management of elderly people with dementia and their carers, in particular those of non-English speaking background. She is a consultant of the Memory Clinic and Cognitive Assessment and Dementia Management Services (CADMS) at North West Hospital.
Dr Keith Hill
Dr Keith Hill has worked extensively in the neurological acute and rehabilitation areas. He was appointed Deputy Chief Physiotherapist in 1987 at the Alfred Hospital. In 1988, Keith returned to stroke rehabilitation, at Mount Royal (now North West Hospital), and has had ongoing involvement with the Physiotherapy Department there for over 10 years.
Keith is a committee member on the APA National Research Committee. During 1997-98, Keith has also been a committee member of the Expert Advisory Group of Heart, Stroke and Vascular Disease, a working group involved in the development of a report to Health Ministers on one of the five National Health and Priority Areas.
Professor John Carlson
Professor John Carlson is the inaugural holder of the Jack Refshauge Chair in Human Movement Science at Victoria University. He is the Director of the University Research Centre for Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport Science. For over 20 years he has taught and researched the role of exercise and nutrition in sport, exercise and well being.
Mrs Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth spent her working life in the secondary division of the Victorian State Education Department. She was one of the early woman principals of a co-ed High School.
During recent years Elizabeth has completed studies in Pastoral Ministry, Clinical Pastoral Education and is a member of ASPEA. This year she is involved in full time studies for a Bachelor of Divinity and is a volunteer in the Pastoral Care Department of St Vincent’s Hospital.