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Healthy Ageing PodcastAuthor: Dr Desmond Graham
"You cant help getting older, but you dont have to get old." Honest, practical conversations on staying well, active and independent as you age, with geriatrician Dr Desmond Graham (Dr Des). Each series takes one topic, from memory and falls to medicines, sleep and heart health, and follows it through: what is normal, what helps, when to see a specialist, and what better care looks like. For older Australians, their families, and anyone who wants to age well. New episodes every Tuesday. General information only, not personal medical advice. healthyageingpodcast.com Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S2E3: Why your GP matters more as you get older
Episode 3
Monday, 9 November, 2026
SummaryDr. Des speaks with Dr. Anthony Marinucci, a specialist GP focused on older people and aged care in Australia, about how a trusted GP can help older adults stay healthy and independent. They explain continuity of care, MyHealthRecord and MyMedicare, the 75+ health assessment, medication reviews, and practical ways to make GP appointments more useful.KeywordsHealthy ageing, GP role, older adult healthcare, continuity of care, MyMedicare, MyHealthRecord, 75+ health assessment, medication review, deprescribing, aged care AustraliaKey topics(1) A GP’s role is to understand the whole person, coordinate specialists, and tailor care to the older adult’s priorities, independence, and quality of life.(2) MyHealthRecord is a national health-information repository; MyMedicare is a free, voluntary registration linking a person to a preferred practice and GP, with access to certain additional Medicare arrangements.(3) A 75+ health assessment should cover function, falls, mobility, memory, mood, medications, nutrition, continence, support, wishes, and preventive care, then produce an agreed plan.(4) To get the most out of a GP visit, state the main concern and priorities, bring an accurate medication and health-information list, and leave knowing the next steps.(5) A home medicines review brings a GP and pharmacist together to assess actual medication use, identify risks or practical barriers, and agree on possible changes.Action items(1) If your regular GP is retiring, ask whether you can continue with the practice and establish a relationship with another clinician there.(2) Ask your GP practice whether you are due for a 75+ health assessment; book it specifically as an assessment and allow the appropriate time.(3) Before an appointment, identify your main concern and priorities; bring an up-to-date list of medications, vitamins, supplements, and relevant medical records.(4) Before leaving the GP appointment, confirm the plan: tests, medication changes, referrals, follow-up timing, and what to do if symptoms worsen.(5) Ask your GP whether a home medicines review is appropriate, particularly if you take multiple medications or have difficulty managing them.Chapters00:00 Why the GP matters more as healthcare needs grow03:43 The specialist GP and the whole-person approach06:10 Why continuity helps clinicians notice change08:03 Finding a healthcare home when your GP retires11:47 MyHealthRecord versus MyMedicare16:13 The 75+ assessment as proactive healthcare18:07 What a thorough older-adult health assessment covers20:31 How to book and prepare for the annual assessment24:17 Three ways to get more from a GP appointment29:31 Home medicines reviews and deprescribing34:06 Care coordination and treatment aligned with personal goals
