This approach reflects the fact that ageing issues will affect every member of the national community, old and young alike.

We have, after all, an ageing population, and dementia is generally a condition of ageing, in that the risk increases with age.

Ageing means a loss of a number of skills over time.

When the Australian Government looked at how to meet the challenges, and the opportunities, presented by our ageing population, it saw that an all-encompassing approach was a prerequisite.

The strongest initiative that government can take to ensure Australia is prepared for population ageing, is to maintain a strong economy, and a secure nation.

We know that so many of the conditions and diseases that we associate with ageing can often be prevented or in fact their onset delayed if we just took preventative steps earlier in our lives.