Who is Dr G?
A lifelong student of ageing well
Dr. Gary Shiels (Dr G) received an Order of Australia (AM) for his services to town planning and working with the community on Australia Day 2023.
Dr G holds a PhD in Planning for Successful Ageing and three Master’s degrees in planning-related disciplines. His doctoral research studied the behaviours of people aged 80 to 106 who were ageing successfully.
This research also involved interviews with health professionals specialising in different parts of the human anatomy and the study of lifestyle habits of some of the longest-lived people on the planet.
This website draws on the findings from that research, combined with Dr G’s lifetime experience as a town planner, surf lifesaver, competitor, coach and mentor.
Research, lived experience and real-world application
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As a lifesaver and long-time competitor, Dr G has had a lifelong passion for the study and pursuit of physical activity and nutrition, and the role they play in athletic performance and the ageing process.
His interest in the relationship between lifestyle and ageing led him to provide planning advice to many age care providers and developers of seniors living accommodation, where the principles of successful ageing could be applied in the real world.
This site is intended to share what works – not in theory alone, but in practice.
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Credentials and expertise
● PhD: Planning for Successful Ageing in an Age-Friendly Built Environment - UNSW
● Master’s degrees: Urban Design | Engineering Science (Transport Planning) | Urban Studies
● Life Member & Patron: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club (60 years service)
● Order of Australia (AM): 2023 – for services to town planning and the community
What you can expect on this site
Topics explored include:
The unhealthy state of approximately 70% of our population and why increased activity matters
Clarifying misinformation about diet, exercise and medication
Examining the science and lifestyle factors behind successful ageing
Practical ways to apply these principles in everyday life
Recommended articles and books for those who want to go deeper
Disclaimer
If you have a medical condition, always consult your GP before making lifestyle changes.
Dr G is not a medical practitioner. If you have a medical condition, you should consult your GP before making any lifestyle changes.
All commentary on this website is based on:
Research undertaken for Dr G’s PhD on Successful Ageing
A lifetime of experience as a competitor, coach and mentor
Ongoing study of exercise, nutrition and ageing
Observation of people as they age, including his mother, who passed at 96
This website will continue to grow as Dr G populates it with findings from his research and experiences.
A lifelong commitment to movement and community
Dr G joined the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club in 1964. One of his earliest duties was serving as part of the guard of honour for our now King.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, surf carnivals were smaller, and competitors often raced in multiple events in a single day – surf boats, beach sprints, march pasts and surf races – finishing completely exhausted.
Over more than 60 years of membership, Dr G has served as Captain, President, Secretary and Public Officer, and sat on the committee for over 40 years. During his time as President, he assisted with the seamless acceptance of female lifesavers and introduced some of the first professionally organised ocean swims and Ironman events, which became major fundraisers for the club.
He remains a Life Member and Patron of North Bondi SLSC and continues to compete in Masters events.
Professional background and planning career
Dr G began his professional career in the late 1960s as an engineering assistant at the Department of Motor Transport, before moving into planning roles with Ku-ring-gai Council and Woollahra Council.
In 1984, he was appointed Director of Planning and Community Development at Leichhardt Council, where he managed town planning, social planning, childcare services and seniors’ care. This role deepened his understanding of the importance of planning for ageing.
In 1988, Dr G and his wife Vicki founded Gary Shiels and Associates (GSA Planning). The practice grew to offices in NSW and QLD and became known for its expertise in seniors housing, master planning and age-friendly communities.
Dr G stepped down as Managing Director in 2021, transitioning ownership while continuing to work as a consultant. He later served as an Acting Commissioner in the Land and Environment Court, and as an alternate chair and expert member on multiple Local Planning Panels.
He is widely respected for his professional judgement and ethical approach to planning.
What Dr G is doing now
Today, Dr G is focused on:
Presenting on healthy ageing
Writing and research
Developing this website as a trusted resource
Promoting exercise, a healthy Mediterranean-style diet, and avoidance of refined and processed foods
He has recently released his book, My Blueprint for Successful Ageing, which draws together his research, lived experience and more than 60 years as a competitor and coach.
Buy the Book
Next Steps
If you’re new here, explore the Insights section for articles and research summaries.
If you’re ready to take responsibility for how you age, Dr G encourages you to start where you are – and begin.