Tips for navigating a new health diagnosis

Change is inevitable as you move through life. While switching full-time work for the Grey Nomad lifestyle is the kind of change you’re likely seeking, many older Australians instead find themselves navigating a new health diagnosis.  

The Australian Seniors Cost of Health Report 2023 reveals that more than 2 in 5 (45%) Australians over 50 are living with major ongoing health challenges, with those aged 60-69 being the largest group at 46%.  

From new chronic diseases to unexpected mental and behavioural conditions, it’s still possible to live a full life and enjoy healthy ageing while dealing with a new health diagnosis.  

In this practical guide, discover how to process the news of a health diagnosis and actionable strategies for living with the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a new health condition.  

Understanding your new health diagnosis 

A new health diagnosis can come as a shock, particularly if it’s a major health challenge or a new chronic illness. But the more you know about what’s happening with your health, the better placed you’ll be to cope with the physical, emotional and financial implications. 

After receiving a new diagnosis, you’ll likely have plenty of thoughts, feelings and questions racing through your mind. Rather than jumping online to consult Dr Google, it’s best to seek guidance directly from your GP or healthcare provider.  

Start by writing down all of the questions you have about your diagnosis and how it might impact your lifestyle. Then, book some time with your doctor to:  

• Clarify key details about your new health condition: What is the exact name of your new health condition, how severe is this condition, and what symptoms or significant health problems are you likely to experience? 
• Learn how this condition may impact your lifestyle: Cover any specific questions you have about how this condition may affect you, such as whether you’ll need to move to a new property, adjust your transport options or consider a different type of job. 
• Explore your possible treatment options: Are there any steps you can take to treat your new health condition or reduce the severity of its symptoms?  

Processing the emotions of your new health diagnosis  

Receiving a diagnosis for a new health condition can bring up a range of intense emotions. But you might also feel a sense of numbness and may struggle to process the news. 

From chronic conditions to minor health challenges and even mental health conditions, some of the common feelings you might encounter in response to your diagnosis include: 

• Grief 
• Shock or disbelief  
• Stress and anxiety  
• Anger 
• Fear  
• Loneliness 
• Guilt or blame  
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or loss of control  

The first thing to remember is this: your feelings are valid and completely normal. To help you deal with this period of change, it can be helpful to try these practical coping strategies, including: 

• Give yourself permission to feel your emotions: Whether you write down how you’re feeling each day, share your concerns with your partner or even seek support from a therapist, find helpful ways to acknowledge how you’re feeling without judgment. 
• Focus on what you can control: To combat feelings of uncertainty and fear, shift your attention to the aspects of your life that you can control, such as getting outside each morning for a gentle stroll, calling up a loved one and adding healthy whole foods to your plate each day. 
• Set yourself small, achievable goals: In a similar vein, it can be helpful to prioritise short-term goals, like taking your medication on time each day and drinking water with every meal. Focus on establishing a daily routine built on healthy habits.  

As someone who’s received a cancer diagnosis, Tim Baker knows the importance of living in the moment when coping with a new health condition. Learn more of Tim Baker’s story or tune into the Australian Senior’s Life’s Booming podcast.  

Practical strategies for healthy ageing with a new diagnosis 

Encountering a new health diagnosis or chronic condition can present challenges, particularly later in life.  

The Australian Seniors Cost of Health Report also reveals that 26% of respondents (Australians over 50) say that their ability to cope with any minor and major health issues ‘depends on the day’.  

Along with learning emotional coping strategies, these are three practical tips to help you manage the impacts of a new health diagnosis.  

1. Make self-care a part of your daily routine  

This isn’t about taking bubble baths or investing in scented candles (but go ahead if that’s what you enjoy). Instead, self-care with a new illness or chronic health condition means taking actions to prioritise your health and wellbeing—and making these part of your everyday life.  

With a new health diagnosis, doing certain activities or tasks might be more difficult than usual, especially staying physically active. But even with lower energy levels or new health needs, you can build a daily routine that helps you feel your best by: 

• Figuring out what your bare minimum looks like and creating a checklist of non-negotiable daily tasks that you can realistically do each day (even if that looks like making your bed and taking a shower). 
• Finding ways to make your daily health tasks more enjoyable, such as listening to music while doing your laundry or bringing your favourite book to your doctor’s appointments. 
• Adding small self-care activities to your routine each week, such as a short, seated yoga session or writing down three things you’re grateful for each night.  

Looking for ways to stay active in your 50s and beyond? Discover how to build a sustainable exercise routine later in life to boost your independence and quality of life. 

2. Build your support system  

A new health condition might mean you’ll need more support from those around you. By keeping your partner, friends and family informed about your new health diagnosis, you’ll be able to foster a strong support network to support you through this next chapter of life.  

Plus, it can be helpful to look for support groups to meet other people who are going through a similar chronic illness or health challenge. Speak with your GP to find out which groups are running in your local area and head online to explore community groups hosted by your local council, not-for-profit organisations and registered charities.   

3. Understand the financial impacts of your new diagnosis  

A new health condition can mean an increase in healthcare costs, such as medications, treatments and specialist appointments. While some of these costs may be covered by Medicare, other out-of-pocket costs may only be covered by private health insurance.  

According to the Australian Seniors Cost of Health Report 2023, regular exercise (58%) and frequent health check-ups (58%) are two of the top things over 50s Australians are doing to invest in their health. But a further 45% also reported taking out private health insurance as a way to proactively help safeguard their health, wellbeing and lifestyle. 

If you have an existing policy with a health insurance provider, you’ll need to share your new health details with your insurer. If you’re looking to change policies or take out health insurance, you’ll also need to share your medical needs to secure the most appropriate level of coverage.  

While a new health diagnosis can come as a shock, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the emotional and financial impacts of a new health condition. With these practical tips, you can put yourself in the best position to focus on managing your condition and living your fullest life possible.  

Download the Australian Seniors Cost of Health Report 2023, exploring the challenges Australia’s over 50s are facing with their health and what practical steps they’re taking to cover the growing costs of healthcare.