Numerous women over the age of 60 have embarked on new adventures by adopting nomadic lifestyles on Australian roads in recent times.

They want to achieve personal growth and take a break from the type of lifestyle traditionally expected of older people. The movement also sheds light on how the Australian healthcare system has evolved.

As an ageing Australian over the age of 60, riding solo was not previously a sensible idea. However, it has now been made possible by the digital bridge that telehealth now offers.

The Grey Nomads

The term ‘grey nomad’ traditionally sparks images of retired couples towing caravans along the coast. According to recent findings, that’s no longer the case. 

Research from the University of Technology in Sydney shows that a significant number of older women in Australia have started hitting the road solo.

PhD candidate Margaret Yates interviewed 29 of them. Most were over the age of 60 and described themselves as retired. But rather than enjoying retirement, they went out looking for adventure.

These women refused to be bound by the shackles of how society demands that they live their lives. They wanted the freedom and independence that came from travelling alone and loved every minute of it. They also spoke about how it was a game-changer for their self-confidence.

Some of these women were either widowed or divorced. Others just wanted a change of pace, but they all achieved the same goal – finding solace and strength in solitude.

One of the women Yates interviewed, Vivian, has been on the road for nine years. Now in her mid-60s, she looked back on the experience with pride and described it as the best decision she’s ever made.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself, my weak points and my strong points,” she said. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and I knew there’d be hurdles and tough times. That probably made me even more determined.”

One the key elements which makes this lifestyle sustainable for these older women is the growing accessibility to telehealth services across Australia.

Bridging the Gap with Technology

Telehealth has become an indispensable part of Australian healthcare, especially for people in rural or remote areas or older ones who have chosen to adopt a nomadic lifestyle.

Accessing healthcare in rural and remote regions of Australia has traditionally been a challenge. For many people, access to high-quality healthcare is a luxury they cannot afford.

Telehealth has bridged the divide. It allows older Australians to maintain regular contact with their general practitioners and specialists without disrupting their travel plans.

Several independent providers provide telehealth services across Australia. Determining which ones are reputable can be a tricky task to people unfamiliar with the concept of digital healthcare.

Medicompare has sought to address this issue. The informative platform helps Australians compare telehealth services and pick the one which best suits their needs.

These providers offer a wide range of medical services and guarantee high-quality care for patients.

They allow people to monitor their health, refill prescriptions and get professional advice from wherever they are located providing have access to the internet.

A New Healthcare Frontier for Older Australians

It is no surprise that telehealth services have been received with open arms by older adults, considering that they have to deal with different forms of illnesses.

While some are managing chronic conditions that leave them needing round-the-clock care, others could do with a regular check-up, which applies to those on the road.

For ‘grey nomads’, access to digital healthcare gives them even more confidence and freedom to roam the country in search of new beginnings.

But the most important thing for them is that their new lifestyle does not have to come at the expense of their health, with virtual care creating a safety net.

For many older Australians, the emotional reassurance that comes with knowing a healthcare provider is only a few clicks away is just as important as the medical care itself.

Telehealth has plenty of upside, but it is not yet a flawless solution. There’s still a digital divide, especially in remote areas where there is little or no internet connectivity. 

But these are issues that can easily be fixed by the government. They just need to invest more in regional infrastructure and fund initiatives to improve digital literacy among older Australians.