Jean Kittson strikes gold at Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing Media Awards

The popular comedian, author and media personality was awarded the top honour at the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) Media Awards.

The author of We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad and You're Still Hot To Me received the Gold MACA award at the presentation, which took place in Sydney last night.

NSW seniors minister Geoff Lee congratulated Jean on the award.

"Ms Kittson doesn't hold back on exploring the reality of ageing in a pragmatic and humorous way, including traditionally taboo topics like menopause," Mr Lee said.

"Her efforts urge us to continue to empower seniors to lead healthy, financially secure and socially engaged lives."

Jean spoke to The Senior's Geraldine Cardozo in March last year following the publication of We Need to Talk About Mum & Dad.

The book was inspired by her efforts to navigate the aged care system for her parents Elaine and Roy, who were both dealing with multiple health issues.

Like many Australian families, Jean became frustrated by the complex aged care system she described as "a mess".

"Even things like getting forms and knowing who to speak to and what the right protocols are is so confusing," she said.

"People say, just go to myagedcare. They might as well be speaking in Klingon. For an older person to do it on their own it would be impossible. If elderly people don't have an advocate they would so easily slip through the cracks."

The resulting book was a clear and compassionate guide full of well-researched advice about supporting ageing loved ones, with a healthy dose of humour.

"I don't think humour trivialises it; it helps people handle a situation."

In addition to the Gold MACA, awards were presented across six categories. Other winners included:

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