About our video campaign

More Australians are reflecting on what healthy ageing means to them, and how alcohol fits into that picture. As we get older, our bodies change, and so does the way we process alcohol. Even drinking the same amount can carry greater health risks than it used to.

With support from the National Centre for Healthy Ageing, researchers at Monash University spoke in-depth with 45 Australians aged 55 to 75 about their alcohol use. One thing was clear: people wanted to hear real stories from others like them - people who had recently reduced their drinking and were willing to share what the experience was like.

This campaign brings those stories to life.

Through a series of short videos, we share how small changes in drinking habits can lead to big benefits - stronger social connections, better sleep, and a clearer path to ageing well. These stories aim to:

• Empower people with fresh ideas for socialising and unwinding without always reaching for a drink.

• Support conversations with friends, family and healthcare providers around alcohol and healthy ageing

• Encourage a shift from drinking out of habit to making conscious choices

• Provide practical, relatable inspiration for anyone curious about changing their drinking habits.
  

Our approach celebrates the richness and complexity of people’s lives, highlighting the why behind their choices and the how behind their change.

We are deeply grateful to Penny, Peter, Meryn and Ross for generously sharing their stories and helping to make this campaign possible.

Research Team

• Dr Tina Lam, Project Lead (Monash University)

• Nilakshi Gunatillaka, Project manager, Monash University)

• Dr Michael Savic (Monash University)

• Dr Aislinn Lalor (Monash University)

• A/Prof Liz Sturgiss (Bond University)

• A/Prof Laura Alfrey (Monash University)

• Peta Stragalinos (Turning Point)

• Dr Nazgol Karimi (Monash University)

• Prof Suzanne Nielsen (Monash University)

• Prof Keith Hill (Monash University)

Creative Team

• Isobel Knowles, Creative Director, Producer & Animator

• Juliet Rowe, Illustration

• Liam Gerner, Sound Design

• Kimberly Summer & Glen Maw, Videography

• Van Sowerwine, Assistant Producer

Advisory board members

• Susan Hickson, Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education

• Keira Bury, Mental Health Commission WA

• James Stevens-Cutler, Mental Health Commission WA

• Isabella Pruiti-Ciarello, Mental Health Commission WA

• Julia Stafford, Cancer Council WA

• Prof Steve Allsop, National Drug Research Institute

• Kathleen van der Weerden, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

• Courtney Dunn, Peninsula Health

• Sylvia Davey, Home Instead

Also, special thanks to the staff (especially Dr Rosa Gualano and Dr Amelia Crabtree) and the consumer advisors from the Monash Ageing Research Centre (MONARC) for their feedback on the campaign.