- Nearly 5000 older people have had their say on a new state-wide Seniors Strategy due for release next year
- Most of the feedback came from older people who completed a survey at a Seniors Expos and Seniors Savings Pop-Ups or online
- It shows older Queenslanders are active in their communities, but the cost of living, healthcare, independence and mobility are priority areas
Queensland seniors rate healthcare, cost-of-living, independence, mobility, and staying in their own home as what matters most to people aged 65 and over, a state-wide survey shows.
The Palaszczuk Government canvassed the views of older people at Seniors Expos, Seniors Savings Pop-ups and other events across the state, as well as online, to inform the next Seniors Strategy.
Most seniors (81 per cent) said they could get out and about easily using their own vehicle or affordable, user-friendly transport services in their communities.
Nearly three out of four older people (72 per cent) agreed or strongly agreed that the environment in their community included open spaces, shaded areas, walkways and public buildings that were safe and easy to move around in.
Two out of three seniors (67 per cent) felt confident accessing information they needed to stay informed and connected with their community, family and friends.
Older Queenslanders also identified healthcare as the top priority for 71 per cent of respondents.
Other priorities are the cost of living (67 per cent), maintaining independence and mobility (55 per cent) and staying in their own home (54 per cent).
To find a local Seniors Savings Pop-Up event near you or to find out more information about concessions for seniors visit Seniors expos event calendar.
Quotes attributable to Seniors Minister Craig Crawford:
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating an age-friendly Queensland, where seniors feel connected, cared for and supported, and able to contribute to their communities in a way that suits them.
“Through the Seniors Strategy Survey, it’s been invaluable to hear from older Queenslanders about what’s important to them, and their experiences and aspirations.
“Their input will help our government develop a plan that meets the needs of older Queenslanders now and into the next decade.
“In 2021, 17 percent of Queenslanders (over 875,600 people) were aged 65 years or older. By 2050, seniors are tipped to make up nearly a quarter of the population (22.1 percent or 1.8 million people).
“Seniors can save thousands of dollars a year and ease cost-of-living pressures through concessions and rebates on offer by the Palaszczuk Government.
“These include electricity, rates and health-related concessions.
“Older people have made, and continue to make, huge contributions to Queensland.
“The next Seniors Strategy will embrace the cultural, social and economic benefits of an older population, empowering older people, amplifying their voices, and delivering what Queenslanders want as we age.”
