Hosted by the celebrated Australian comedian, author, and social commentator Jean Kittson, the seven-episode series delves into the challenges faced by many Generation X Australians as they support their ageing parents or loved ones. This often occurs while they are still raising their own children.

While each episode explores a different topic, common throughout is the importance of open communication, empathy, and involving parents in decision-making processes to ensure their well-being and independence.

Each episode features expert voices and those that have been through it themselves, covering topics including:

• Navigating Health Care: Tips on understanding and accessing healthcare services for the elderly.
• Financial Planning: Guidance on managing finances and planning for long-term security
• Living Arrangements: Exploring options for independent living, assisted living, and in-home care.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Discussing the emotional aspects of ageing for both the elderly and their families.
• Legal Considerations: Insights into legal matters such as wills, power of attorney, and elder rights.

Prue Bowden, CEO Home Health at Australian Unity, said that the podcast aims to provide relevant advice and perspective to something experienced by millions of Australians that nobody is talking about.

“It is a difficult conversation to have and that is why it tends to be ignored. The catalyst for engaging a parent or loved one on topics such as financial planning, living arrangements and their changing healthcare needs is so often a major incident or event. Parenting Up has been designed to get people thinking, offering real-world practical examples and advice to encourage proactivity and planning.

“While these conversations can be uncomfortable, nobody wants to be in a position where they are forced into making a decision with no prior planning done. Parenting Up will support listeners to broach these topics with care, compassion and confidence.”

Parenting Up with Australian Unity is available now on Spotify and other major podcast platforms.

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About Australian Unity
Established in 1840, Australian Unity is a member-owned wellbeing company with more than 385,000 members and more than 700,000 customers. Our range of health, wealth and care products and services provides member, customer and community value that is supportive of personal and community wellbeing.

About Jean Kittson
Jean Kittson is a performer, author and scriptwriter for stage, television, radio, magazines and newspapers.

Jean has been a regular on our television screens, appearing in popular shows such as Good News Week, Flat Chat and more recently Mother and Son and Celebrity Apprentice Australia 2022. She has also been a newspaper columnist and is the author of We Need To Talk About Mum & Dad, Tongue Lashing and You’re Still Hot To Me.