We know that so many of the conditions and diseases that we associate with ageing can often be prevented or in fact their onset delayed if we just took preventative steps earlier in our lives.

And I believe that the best buy in public health today must be a combination of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet.

Greater public recognition will also be critical in encouraging prevention and early intervention, and more generally in building public support to meet the challenges of dementia.

We are already seeing older people wanting greater choice in how, when and where they receive care.

At the last census it indicated that about 22 per cent of Australians were born overseas.

We know we are entering a period of transformation in aged care.

It is a fact that governments tend to put in place policies and strategies in response to current scenarios.

We know that so many of the conditions and diseases that we associate with ageing can often be prevented or in fact their onset delayed if we just took preventative steps earlier in our lives.

Community care is a fundamental, an essential, an enduring part of our aged care system.

Australia is already a world leader in dementia research, treatment and care.

Ageing means a loss of a number of skills over time.

Synergy and serendipity often play a big part in medical and scientific advances.

We are increasingly recognising and accepting, respecting and celebrating, our cultural diversity.

Today it has been estimated that the average 70 year old has four chronic conditions and consumes an average of 35 PBS scripts per year for those conditions.

Our cultural diversity has most certainly shaped our national character.

Advances in science and medical research and public health policies have meant that life expectancy for Australians is one of the highest in the world.

Australia has an increasingly multicultural society.

The strongest initiative that government can take to ensure Australia is prepared for population ageing, is to maintain a strong economy, and a secure nation.

Prevention is one of the few known ways to reduce demand for health and aged care services.

We preserve the status quo, preserve existing systems.

When the Australian Government looked at how to meet the challenges, and the opportunities, presented by our ageing population, it saw that an all-encompassing approach was a prerequisite.

Dementia is not exclusively a problem of the developed world.