A unique resource to support Australian women approaching midlife and beyond, the Midlife - Choices for Health and Wellbeing CD-ROM promotes informed decision making and choices for women. It is a user-friendly, interactive and fun approach midlife health and wellbeing.

People using the CD-ROM can gather information from four main sections:

• More about menopause
• Self management
• Therapies to manage symptoms
• Resources

There are women’s stories, a quiz and even a meditation for people to enjoy.

For those with access to the Internet the CD-ROM is also linked to The Jean Hailes Foundation’s website and other on-line women’s health resources which will enable people to access updated information.

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About Midlife - Choices for Health and Wellbeing CD-ROM

Why is women’s health and wellbeing at midlife important?

The trend towards longer life expectancy, coupled with the ageing of Australia’s population presents a challenge for the community.

The impact of mental health on quality of life and the maintenance of good physical health are of great importance to Australian women.

Why a CD-ROM

Focus groups conducted as part of an education project at The Foundation identified women wanted current, interactive information which could be used by an individual or in group. Their suggestion of a CD Rom as the preferred method of gaining information seemed very appropriate.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (2002 information) shows that 61% of all Australian households have access to a computer at home, with up to 66% of adults using a computer.

The interactive CD-ROM addresses issues of equity and access for women at midlife and provides current health information as well as assisting with other trusted resources from the Internet where access is available. It allows women to  privately review accurate health information regarding sensitive health issues and recognises the rapid increase in computer use in Australia.

The CD-ROM links to The Jean Hailes Foundation’s website and other on-line women’s health and wellbeing resources.

What’s in the CD-ROM

The CD-ROM has been developed in partnership with a rural steering committee consisting of community health professionals from various rural and regional centres in Victoria. The committee undertook extensive consultation conducting focus groups with over 150 women from both metropolitan and rural and regional Victoria who advised on style and content and shared their experiences of midlife. These experiences, in particular, are reflected in the section "Women’s Stories". The contents of the CD-ROM is based on current research findings, clinical experience, evaluation and , where appropriate, the expertise of the health practitioners at The Jean Hailes Foundation. Mandy Hudson (left) and Sarah Hardy CD-ROM Co-authors

The CD-ROM was modelled to promote informed decision making and providing choices for women. There are four main areas: Menopause Self management Therapies to manage symptoms and Resources.

These areas are developed to include topics of most interest and relevance to women such as menopause, emotional health, stress management, sexuality, osteoporosis, cardiac disease, breast health, relationships, nutrition, herbal therapies, hormone therapy and lifestyle issues and information for families.

Embedded in the body of the CD-ROM are

• frequently asked questions,
• steps to choosing an appropriate health practitioner
• a meditation and
• the opportunity to provide feedback.

It is practical, user-friendly, interactive and fun. No licence is required anyone can drive this CD-ROM!  

A Rural Focus

There are 647,239 (2001 census data) women living in regional, rural and remote Australia. Women 40-60 living in these areas in areas of Australia face a specific set of difficulties relating to health and health care including limited access to services, limited choice of services, compromised privacy and limited access to current health-related information. Rates of hospitalisation and death are higher than for women living in metropolitan areas for many diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Consultation and needs assessments conducted in 1999 and 2000 with rural and remote communities in Australia and in particular Victoria, indicate that information on menopause, hormone therapy, natural therapies, weight management, sexuality, depression and stress management were the main priorities of the 40-60 year old woman.

In response to this JHF has developed two national rural programs that aim to address the educational and health and well being needs of rural and remote health professionals for women who live in these communities. These include a resource kit for health professionals and the CD-ROM.   

Women’s Voices - Stories from Rural Victoria

One of the amazing outcomes of creating the CD-ROM was the involvement of women in the process. Not only did they guide The Foundation in style and content but also they were keen to share their stories. We share in the precious glimpses of each woman’s experience of midlife.

The shared experience and inclusive nature of the project overall – resonates with women who experience the CD-ROM.

Credits

The Midlife: Choices for Health and Wellbeing CD-ROM would not have been possible without the generous contribution of the steering committee and the many specialists who contributed their expertise to the content.

These wonderful people included national and international medical specialists, a naturopath, a psychologist GPs and allied health professionals and all of the women.

Disclosure

This CD-ROM is an initiative of The Jean Hailes Foundation and is co-funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. All proceeds of the sale of this CD-ROM will be used to support education programs at The Jean Hailes Foundation.

Content updated May 06, 2005