Dr. Natasha Reid to Speak on Behavioural Science for Positive Ageing at 2026 Summit

Dr. Natasha Reid, a senior research fellow and behavioural scientist from the University of Queensland, is set to speak at the Positive Ageing Summit 2026. The summit, an initiative of Australian Ageing Agenda and Community Care Review, will be held at Hilton Adelaide on May 20-21, 2026, focusing on evidence-based approaches to healthy ageing and aged care.

Dr. Reid attended the inaugural summit as a delegate, observing a strong collective momentum towards healthy and positive ageing among researchers, industry professionals, clinicians, and older adults. Her upcoming participation aims to highlight the increasing focus on proactive care within the sector.

Dr. Reid's work is driven by a belief that all individuals should be enabled to age optimally, maintaining their strength, autonomy, and important social connections.

She emphasizes supporting the best possible quality of life for as long as possible, rather than denying the natural process of ageing or potential decline.

Behavioural Science and Ageing

Dr. Reid specializes in behavioural science, a field dedicated to examining the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence human actions. Her work focuses on designing strategies to facilitate and sustain healthier choices, particularly among older adults. She often notes a common "intention to action gap", where individuals understand healthy behaviours but struggle to implement them effectively.

She clearly distinguishes behavioural science, which targets individual actions, from implementation science, which focuses on system redesign and effective program execution. Dr. Reid integrates both approaches in her comprehensive work.

Application in Aged Care

Behavioural science holds significant applicability across the entire ageing ecosystem, impacting older individuals, aged care staff, and management alike. Dr. Reid advocates for a two-pronged approach to program implementation, combining effective programs with dedicated funding and robust support to ensure sustainability and understanding among all involved parties.

At the Positive Ageing Summit 2026, Dr. Reid will delve into behaviour change strategies tailored for older and very old adults, including those with complex needs and frailty.

Her central message is clear: while behaviour change is challenging, it is achievable at any age.

She looks forward to discovering advancements in the field since the previous summit and hopes to hear positive developments regarding ongoing aged care reforms.

Early bird tickets for the summit are available until March 31, 2026.