Housing Minister Peter Tinley and Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray today released a new State Government directions paper detailing how to best address the housing needs of older Western Australians.
Ageing with Choice sets the direction for government, industry and the community sector to help older Western Australians, particularly those on low to moderate incomes, to access affordable, manageable and stable homes in their community of choice.
Led by the Department of Communities, Ageing with Choice was developed after extensive consultation with older people, all levels of government, industry and the community sector.
It focuses a collective effort across government on an integrated approach to housing and service responses for older people while also building rich, diverse, age-friendly communities designed to reduce social isolation and keep people connected to transport, services and their community.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
“Ageing with Choice provides a framework and direction over the next five years that is designed to improve housing choice and outcomes for older Western Australians.
“Without access to suitable, affordable homes, older people will struggle to balance housing and living costs, potentially resulting in an inability to manage or maintain the dwellings they call home.
“By working together across all sectors, we can create vibrant, inclusive communities with a range of housing and living options that meet people’s needs as they age.
“The response detailed in the Ageing with Choice directions paper will help position WA for the future.”
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray:
“WA has an ageing population and the number of people aged 65 or more is projected to grow by 40 per cent to more than 500,000 by 2026.
“Research has shown that people’s housing needs change with age. With more people living longer, many will require a greater level of care and support.
“While housing affordability affects everyone, older people can be especially affected due to their reduced earning and borrowing capacity and their specific housing needs.
“Ageing with Choice recognises that everyone ages differently and that housing needs are driven by changes in health, financial or family circumstances.”
Seniors and Ageing Minister’s office – 6552 6400
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