The Andrews Labor Government is supporting older Victorians to lead healthy and purposeful lives with a new plan that drives social connection, digital inclusion, respect and wellbeing.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks today launched ‘Ageing Well in Victoria: An action plan for strengthening wellbeing for senior Victorians 2022-2026‘ – a whole-of-Victorian Government action plan informed by the expertise and lived experiences of more than 5,000 older Victorians.
More than one in five Victorians are aged 60 or over and our older population is growing faster than any other age group – set to increase by 60 per cent by 2046.
The plan outlines the Labor Government’s vision to tackle priority issues faced by our seniors – and ensure they get the right support at the right time – across four key action areas:
- Resilient connected seniors: Supporting older people to have a sense of purpose through social, cultural and intergenerational connections
- Tech savvy seniors: Supporting older Victorians to take part in the digital world and ensuring those who can’t do not experience discrimination and can access services via other means
- Valuing senior Victorians: Reducing ageism and increasing visibility and appreciation of older people as valued and contributing Victorian citizens
- Health self-care: Using healthcare advances driven by the pandemic to improve the health of older people and their ability to protect themselves.
The plan will be implemented in partnership with community organisations, peak bodies, local government and government services.
To further boost opportunities for older Victorians to connect, socialise and participate in the community, the Victorian Budget 2022/23 provides a $400,000 funding boost for Victorian Seniors Festival, which celebrates 40 years in 2022.
The festival will feature live and local events, as well as online and radio programs, and include First Nations performances, multicultural and in-language content, and the popular aged care concert.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are also an important annual feature of the festival. Nominations are now open – to learn more or to make a nomination, visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awardsExternal Link.
To read the Ageing well in Victoria action plan, visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ageing-well-action-planExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks
“We are ensuring senior Victorians continue to be appreciated, respected and supported to live well later in life.
“Through the action plan, we will support all Victorians to age well, participate and contribute to their communities and live healthy, active and purposeful lives.”
“I would like to thank the Commissioner for Senior Victorians, members of the Senior Victorians Advisory Group and all older Victorians who contributed their experiences and voices to the action plan.”
