Shirley Randell
In this episode of 'Let's Talk Ageing', we hear from Shirley Randell AO, Ambassador for the National Older Women’s Network.
Interview summary
Date: 12 March 2026
Shirley reflects on what ageing means to her at 86, the challenges many older Australians face, and how she stays active, connected and engaged across community and professional life.
Read the interview
What does getting older mean to you, and why?
I am now 86 years old and live alone in a one-room apartment in an apartment building in the city.
I have four children, 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren – a happy family who regularly keep in touch with me.
I am ageing happily, enjoy travelling overseas, and serving on various professional committees as an Ambassador and office bearer.
What do you see are the key challenges people face as they get older?
Health – osteoarthritis, I have had one knee replacement and will have surgery on the other knee. I have an excellent GP and a good chemist for medicines.
Also, housing, illness, poverty, loneliness, friendships and family.
Tell us about the work/research you’ve been doing to address these challenges?
I keep myself active. I attend and speak at Australian and overseas conferences, have two strong friendship groups and some special friends.
I am President of organisations I appreciate working with, and I am active on Facebook and LinkedIn.
How can others get involved or support this work?
I am an ambassador for older people, homeless people and women’s education. I seek help for writing or speaking tasks from family and friends. For more information on the work I support, go to OWN Australia.