Monash University consulting physician in geriatric medicine Joseph Ibrahim, who has been researching this issue since 2012, is guest speaker for the Mercy Health event at Albury Entertainment Centre between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

The evening will include a screening of Professor Ibrahim’s award-winning animated short film Dignity of Risk.

“Dignity of risk is allowing a person to make choices that other people might not like,” he said.

“It is the person understanding that they might get hurt but they still choose to do it anyway.

“I want to find out how aged care residents can be supported to take more measured risks.

“Nobody wants to spend the last years of their life eating vitamised food and drinking thickened fluids.

“If someone enjoys drinking a cup of tea and wants to do this, they should be able to.”

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Mercy Health Group chief executive Stephen Cornelissen said the organisation aimed to reduce residents’ isolation, boredom and loneliness.

“These are the three biggest factors that result in an early death for the elderly, so we need to find ways to break that cycle,” Adjunct Professor Cornelissen said.

“Sometimes, a little measured risk taking might be the answer to ensure residents have a more fulfilled and meaningful life.”

To register for Wednesday’s free public event, visit mercyhealth.com.au/events/dignity-of-risk-community-forum.