Today, we are celebrating Ms Judith Leeson AM, an esteemed Director of ARIIA, on her 90th birthday. In honour of this special occasion, ARIIA had the opportunity to talk her about meaningful ageing - or as she wisely put it, meaningful living. Judith shares her advice and insights gained from her long and varied career, as well as her vision for the future evolution of aged care.
Judith's career, spanning over seven decades, has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to advocating for those facing disadvantage. Her influential leadership roles in early childhood, disability, and career development, have focused on empowering individuals and communities through evidence-based programs. Her shift to aged care was driven by a mix of curiosity and personal experience.
“Six years ago, after transitioning to part-time work, I stumbled upon a social media post about a CareHack event aimed at creating innovative services for older people. Given my personal experience caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and visiting friends in residential care, I was intrigued,” Judith shared.
A quick call with Professor Jen Tieman led Judith to make the connection between her past professional experiences and their relevance to older people. Judith attended the CareHack event not as a participant but as a judge alongside experts Professor Sue Gordon and Merlin Kong who continue to influence her involvement in the sector. This event was a turning point for Judith, sparking a passion for aged care.
Meaningful Ageing: What Does It Mean?
For Judith, meaningful ageing is really about “meaningful living.” Her early experiences of the aged care sector revealed a lack of opportunities for residents to express their individuality and maintain purpose. “Years ago, there was hardly any chance for residents to share their stories or engage in activities that resonated with their interests. This lack of agency and purpose was clearly impacting their well-being,” she explained.
Judith believes that meaning comes from what makes life personally enriching — whether it's family, interests, or community involvement. “What’s meaningful for one person might not be for another, and that’s okay. The key is to ensure that people can live their lives on their own terms and find joy in what they do.”
Meaningful ageing also ensures that the choice of each individual is important to their quality of life, and that their decisions to engage in purposeful living will also contribute to an increase in independence or provide the motivation to engage in reablement activities that will increase their ability to enjoy the things that matter to them and have meaning.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Aged Care
Judith’s work with the Caring Futures Institute, the Research Centre for Palliative Care, and ARIIA places her at the forefront of innovations in aged care. At ARIIA, we’ve had the privilege of working with Judith on our Research Advisory Group and Meaningful Lifestyle Activities Advisory Group, and we are honoured to have her as a member of our Independent Board. When thinking about the future of aged care, Judith envisions a future where aged care moves beyond the traditional medical model to address all levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs — from basic essentials to self-actualisation.
“I see aged care evolving to better meet these needs,” Judith said. “We want to see a system where our elders don’t just survive but truly thrive. It’s about ensuring they feel loved and valued, their decisions are supported, and they are able to contribute their wisdom and experience.”
Advice for a Meaningful Life
Judith’s advice for those looking to make a difference or find purpose in their own lives is simple: engage with hope and passion. “I always encourage people to explore their strengths and interests. Whether it’s through targeted volunteering or personal development, finding what truly motivates you can make a huge difference,” she said.
She emphasises the importance of a self-audit of strengths, values, and interests and encourages everyone to think about how they can be of service. “I have always wanted to enable people through hope-filled engagement to regain their motivation to explore options that utilise their strengths, and to learn more about areas where they could engage in further development.
I’ve always been driven by the desire to be useful and to continue learning. It’s not just about what you have to offer but also what you want to achieve.”
Celebrating Achievements
Recognised for her significant contributions to the community, Judith was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005. She is a previous National President, current Fellow and Life Member of the Career Development Association of Australia, holding a unique Lifetime Achievement Award. Judith co-founded the Career Industry Council of Australia, and also managed, over four years, the development and implementation of the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners. Judith’s impact extends to various voluntary roles as board member and chair for many not-for-profit associations, Including Hills Community Options whose mission is to provide supported accommodation in the community for people with intellectual disabilities.
Judith’s accomplishments are vast and she says often behind the scenes. “My greatest achievements are the transformations I’ve seen in others. Each role has given me a chance to contribute and grow,” Judith reflected. From completing a Master’s degree in her mid-eighties to her lifelong commitment to advocacy, Judith’s journey is a testament to her dedication and love for her work.
“My husband has been my greatest supporter throughout nearly sixty years of marriage, including working together in our consultancy business. His support has been invaluable,” Judith added.
At ARIIA, we’re grateful for Judith’s insightful perspective and unwavering commitment. Her philosophy is clear: celebrate and embrace ageing and that’s something we can all learn from.
Join us in celebrating Judith's incredible achievements and her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals at every stage of life. Her dedication and insights into meaningful ageing continue to inspire and guide us all.