The Healthy Ageing Lab
One of the many interactive learning experiences at the Summit, alongside keynote presentations, expert panels and practical workshops.
New Interactive Experience
At the Healthy Ageing Summit 2026, we are introducing an exciting new format designed to move beyond traditional presentations. Welcome to The Healthy Ageing Lab. The Lab is a highly interactive learning space where ideas, experience, and practical strategies come together. Rather than sitting and listening, participants actively engage in guided discussions with industry experts and fellow professionals. Each Lab session is designed to explore a key topic shaping the future of healthy ageing, prevention, and active living beyond 45.
By the end of each Lab session, participants will leave with practical insights, new perspectives, and actionable ideas they can apply immediately in their work with clients and communities.
How the Healthy Ageing Lab Works...
Structured as a guided roundtable experience designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and problem solving. During each Lab session:
- Participants join one of 10 topic tables
- Each table is hosted by an experienced practitioner or expert
- The host introduces the topic & presents a key question or challenge
- The group engages in a facilitated discussion guided by the host
- Participants share experiences, strategies & real-world solutions
- Each table works toward a practical outcome, template, or strategy
The Lab Matters
Healthy ageing is complex. It involves more than exercise alone.
The Healthy Ageing Lab reflects the Whole-Person Lens approach used throughout the Summit, recognising that ageing well involves multiple factors including movement, nutrition, purpose, social connection, stress management, and recovery.
Through the Lab sessions, participants will explore how these elements work together to support a longer, healthier and more productive lifespan.
Who Should Attend the Healthy Ageing LabThe Lab sessions are designed for professionals working with adults aged 45+, including:
• Personal trainers
• Strength and conditioning coaches
• Exercise professionals
• Allied health practitioners
• Health and wellness coaches
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Community health leaders
Lab Topics
The Healthy Ageing Lab includes 10 discussion tables, each focused on a key theme in healthy ageing. If you work with ageing clients or want to better support adults as they move through midlife and beyond, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical strategies.
1. Find Your Why: Unlocking Client Motivation
Build a simple framework to uncover motivation and improve long-term engagement across different client types
Pillar: Purpose + Behaviour
2. What Does Ageing Well Actually Look Like?
Define healthy ageing across physical, clinical and lifestyle outcomes
Pillar: Purpose + Environment
3. Working Beyond Exercise: Knowing Your Role & When to Refer
Clarify scope, collaboration and referral pathways for better client outcomes
Pillar: Environment + Connection
4. Behaviour Change: Getting Clients to Stick
Build a practical system to improve adherence, compliance and long-term outcomes
Pillar: Behaviour + Stress
5. The Stress & Energy Equation
Identify and manage key physiological and lifestyle factors impacting energy and recovery
Pillar: Stress + Sleep
6. Nutrition After 45: What Actually Moves the Needle
Understand key nutrition priorities to support health, recovery and body composition
Pillar: Nutrition
7. Recovery & Hydration: The Missing Link in Results
Apply simple strategies to support recovery, energy and overall system function
Pillar: Sleep + Nutrition
8. The Movement We Lose (And How to Spot It Fast)
Identify key movement losses and their impact on function, risk and performance
Pillar: Movement
9. Strength, Power & Balance: What to Prioritise First
Apply safe and effective programming principles across different abilities and conditions
Pillar: Movement
10. Community & Connection: The Hidden Driver of Retention
Explore how social connection influences adherence, wellbeing and long-term engagement
Pillar: Connection + Environment
What You Will Walk Away With...
Participants in the Healthy Ageing Lab will gain:
- New perspectives on healthy ageing
- Practical ideas to apply with clients immediately
- Strategies shared by experienced practitioners
- Insight into real-world challenges and solutions
- Connections with professionals working in the same space
Most importantly, the Lab creates an environment where professionals can learn, share, and collaborate
The Healthy Ageing Lab is just one of the many interactive learning experiences at the Summit, alongside keynote presentations, expert panels, and practical workshops.
Join us on the Gold Coast and be part of the conversations shaping the future of healthy ageing.
