- Queensland Seniors Month is set to get under way (1 October) celebrating the theme of social connections.
- One in five Queenslanders are seniors, aged over 65.
- 81 community organisations in total have now received a grant of up to $2,000 to host inclusive events and activities throughout the month.
Older Queenslanders are set to enjoy greater social connections during Queensland Seniors Month with a vivid array of engaging events and colourful activities planned across the state.
Hosted by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland with funding from the Palaszczuk Government, Queensland Seniors Month will provide opportunities for people across all generations to connect while challenging stereotypes around ageing.
Seniors Month kicks off on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and includes Grandparents Day on 29 October.
Eighty-one community organisations have received a grant of up to $2,000 to host events and activities throughout the month.
The third annual Seniors Month celebrations will see our older Queenslanders snapping selfies, bowling barefoot and connecting through croquet as communities around the state get involved.
With the 2021 Census showing almost 20% of Queenslanders are aged over 65, Seniors Month is an important time for people across all generations to better understand the challenges and opportunities older Queenslanders provide.
A signature event of the month is the South East Queensland Seniors Forum (5 October), a partnership between the Queensland Government and COTA Queensland that will discuss what matters to older people in Queensland.
At the forum, seniors, leaders in the community, government and industry will hear from experts about the issues and opportunities for older people, and receive information about supports and services available.
A highlight will be a presentation by renowned demographer Bernard Salt AM, providing an exclusive update on the key demographic changes affecting seniors in Queensland.
Last year’s Seniors Month celebration set a record for the number of events held, with 1581 events registered in the online calendar, engaging an estimated 146,171 people.
Quotes attributable to Minister Craig Crawford:
“Seniors Month is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s a chance to celebrate and connect with our older Queenslanders, who have made, and continue to make, huge contributions to our communities.
“In 2023, we will continue to celebrate the theme of social connections and we hope to build on the success of last year’s record-breaking Seniors Month.
“We were blown away by the calibre of applications for the 2023 Seniors Month grants and are pleased to support 81 community organisations to deliver a wide range of inclusive events and activities, bringing communities together across the state.
“The 2023 Seniors Month grants will challenge ageist attitudes and create opportunities for older Queenslanders to continue to participate in activities beyond Seniors Month.
“Supporting a month-long program of events is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to building an age-friendly Queensland, where older people are connected to their communities and feel safe, supported, cared for and celebrated.”
Quotes attributable to Darren Young, CEO, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland:
“Humans have a fundamental need to connect with each other. As we age, our social connections become increasingly important, and the research is clear on the positive impacts social connections have on our health and wellbeing.
“We need caring and supportive communities that foster and support social connections through space, places, and activities, so that people can participate no matter where they live.
“COTA Queensland and the Queensland Government value the contribution older people make – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents, or advocates and we take this opportunity to invite you to join in the celebrations.”
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
Search for events at www.qldseniorsmonth.org.au
