Millions of Australians are being asked to take a free online Life Check on a new website launched this week, as the Liberal National Government continues rolling out its More Choices For A Longer Life measures.

 

The Government is investing $6.5 million in the Life Checks program which has been carefully designed to help Australians health, wealth, work and social wellbeing and provide a clear picture of how they are currently tracking and how they can prepare for the next stages in their lives.

 

Ten million Australians aged 45 and over can now access free advice to plan and take positive steps towards better health and greater security with two Life Checks available - for people aged 45 to 64 and for those aged 65 and older. The results and recommendations are available via email in an easy-to-read format.

 

The online Life Checks cover four areas that research has shown are keys to our wellbeing: Health, work, finance and social life.

 

The health area of the quiz focuses on risk factors for preventable disease, with research showing that nearly nine out of 10 people over 65 are living with at least one of eight chronic diseases.

Options for employment are also included, whether the focus is to keep earning or to stay involved in the community. “With so many types of work available and flexible working arrangements, retirement is no longer the only choice “ minister Wyatt said.

 

Life Checks can also assess people’s financial preparedness for the future. According to Minister Wyatt four in 10 Australians over the age of 55 do not have a financial plan for the next five years, with even fewer people having a plan that extends beyond that.

 

Social and community connections are also essential for healthy ageing, with engagement through some form of work, volunteering or community activities giving people a strong sense of purpose.

 

The quiz offers encouragement and accessible resources and is confidential with no personal information stored at any time during the Life Checks process according to Minister Wyatt.

 

To take a Life Check, visit http://lifechecks.gov.au