Professor Wendy Lacey, formerly the Dean and Head of the School of Law at the University of South Australia Business School, said the fact that Tasmania had the oldest population of all states and territories meant that the evidence in the royal commission would particularly speak to Tasmanians.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the inquiry in September last year, after disturbing reports of elder abuse emerged.

IN OTHER NEWS

Professor Lacey was the keynote speaker at an Aged Care Royal Commission forum on Monday. The forum's purpose was to inform older Tasmanians and their loved ones about how best to participate in the Aged Care Royal Commission. The event, held at the Tramsheds Function Centre at Invermay, was hosted by the state's peak seniors body Council on the Ageing Tasmania.

The median age of Tasmania's population is 42.2 years, as at June 2017 - the highest in the country. South Australia, meanwhile, has the second highest at 40 years.

"It's really important that South Australia and Tasmania get this right," Professor Lacey said.

"We need to look at our ageing population as an asset."

Relationships Australia Tasmania chief executive Simon Reeve also spoke at the forum, providing advice on making submissions to the royal commission.

"Do a draft [submission] first - have a stop, think and review before submitting," he said.

"If you want to make a submission, then you should."

Representatives from Advocacy Tasmania, Laurel House and Legal Aid Tasmania also spoke at the forum.

The royal commission's interim report is due in October, while its final report is due in April 2020.

A round of hearings is expected to be held in Hobart later this year.

While you're with us, you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up below.