Could small daily habits help you stay independent for longer?
Could small daily habits help you stay independent for longer? A new free Australian app, NowNext, helps people aged 45–65 build simple habits that support healthier ageing and long-term wellbeing.
A new Australian app is encouraging people to make small, realistic changes to their daily routines to support their health and wellbeing as they get older.
The free app, called NowNext, has been developed by Independent Living Assessment (iLA) to help Australians aged 45–65 build simple habits that support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.
Rather than asking people to completely overhaul their lifestyle, the app focuses on small, achievable changes that fit into everyday life.
Why midlife matters
For many people, the years between 45 and 65 are busy and demanding.
Work, family responsibilities, caring for ageing parents and financial pressures can leave little time for self-care. Even when people know what healthy habits look like, it can be hard to turn those good intentions into action.
The NowNext app was designed to help bridge that gap by making it easier to start small and build momentum over time.
The goal is to support healthier habits earlier in life, which can play an important role in maintaining independence and wellbeing later on.
Small steps that add up
Users can choose habits across several areas of wellbeing, including:
- physical health and movement
- sleep
- nutrition
- mental wellbeing
- brain health
- social connection
The app allows people to follow guided suggestions or choose their own habits, depending on what works best for them.
Importantly, habits can be adjusted as life changes, and the focus is on consistency rather than perfection.
Early trial results
Before launching nationally, the app was tested with around 100 Australians aged 45–65 over a five-week trial.
Participants reported improvements in their overall wellbeing during the trial, and around 90 per cent said the app was easy to use.
Many users said the app helped motivate them to stick with small habits they might otherwise forget or postpone.
Feedback from the trial has also helped shape future updates, including improvements to progress tracking and reminders.
Free and available across Australia
NowNext is free to download and use, available across Australia on both Apple and Google Play.
