Len's story: Ageing on his own terms and embracing AI
Published: 7 September 2026
Living in Bondi, NSW, Len is 82 years old with plans to live to 100 and is challenging stereotypes that age is a barrier to accessing AI. Instead, Len leans into technology.
As a member of Healthdirect’s Consumer Engagement Group, Len was invited to a workshop on Healthdirect’s proof of concept Virtual AI Assistant. This is an initiative to explore how emerging AI can give Australians proactive, personalised and accessible support for preventive health. Len engaged immediately, ready to contribute, share ideas and connect.
Through the workshop, a room full of consumers developed a clear view of what good health looks like in the future; centred on wellness, connection and empowerment, not just the absence of disease and how a virtual AI assistant could support that.
They shared tangible benefits would include more time and presence with family and friends, reduce mental stress, greater confidence and trust in decision-making, and the ability to show up better at work and in relationships.
Len is a member of the Healthdirect Consumer Engagement Group, shaping our thinking about virtual care, AI and healthy ageing.
They particularly valued the idea of a one-stop shop that makes healthy living easier and more enjoyable, from fun ways to exercise, to focused information that enables higher-quality conversations with health professionals.
This early exploratory work is now complete, and learnings are being used to inform how we can safely bring it into the hands of Australians and evolve our digital services.
As an advocate for people navigating dementia and the aged care system, Len brought a perspective that was both deeply personal and broadly relevant. His experience spoke to some of the most pressing questions in digital health, including how can AI support connection rather than replace it?
I plan on living to 100. A smart health app could serve as a one-stop shop for health and help me achieve that. Life is better, it's wonderful. That's how I see the future. AI doesn’t take anything away from being human. It gives you more ways to be human.Len
Why Len’s voice matters to Healthdirect
Healthdirect Australia is proud to have voices like Len’s shaping the way we think about virtual care, AI and healthy ageing. His story reminds us that technology, at its best, is simply another way to connect with a human.
Our Consumer Engagement Group provides perspectives, like Len’s to how we plan, design, deliver, and evaluate our services. With over 200 members, the group is represented by a broad cross-section of the community, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, older Australians and those living in regional and rural areas. Anyone in the community can apply to join – for more information, see our Consumer engagement page.
Consumer Engagement Group activity in FY26:
- 248 research participants
- 18 research projects included consumers
- 32,439 consumers surveyed across all services.
Digital Barbara - AI to support the grief process
When Len’s wife was Barbara was diagnosed with dementia, he used voice recordings, photographs and family history to build a Digital Barbara: an AI reconstruction that spoke in her voice and recalled shared memories.
“I would show her photos from our wedding day and ask, ‘Do you remember that day?’ And she would respond with things only she could know” - Len.
Community advocate
Len is a member of Bondi Probus, an advocate for dementia awareness and aged care navigation and a passionate speaker at community events.
Last reviewed: September 2026