Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians surveyed approximately 5,000 older Victorians. The Commissioner asked what it means to age well, the barriers to ageing well and the opportunities to better support ageing well. The outcomes were released in the 2020 report, Ageing well in a changing world. The report details issues of concern to seniors and opportunities to improve their quality of life.
The action plan includes actions to support older Victorians to achieve and live with the eight attributes of ageing well the Commissioner identified:
1. A positive attitude
- to ageing, enjoying life and having fun
- able to deal with life changes such as loss and grief
- having realistic expectations about abilities and limitations
- accepting that help with daily life may be needed one day
- able to deal with a shrinking social circle as you age.
2. Life has purpose and meaning
- finding meaningful social roles and continue to contribute to society
- recognised and acknowledged as capable and able to contribute
- able to access employment, volunteering, lifelong learning and other opportunities
- having personal independence and autonomy in decision making
- key wishes and aspirations for living are understood and acknowledged.
3. Respected and respectful
- valued in society as a respected member of the community
- having a voice and the opportunity to be heard
- working together across generations and within community
- tolerant of others and receiving respect from others including government, younger people and businesses
- not subject to ageism, stigmatised, ignored or denied service because you are old
- respect for personal identity, culture, gender and diversity.
4. Connected to family, friends and society
- having and keeping fulfilling and sustaining social connections and personal relationships, including family relationships and friendships
- able to take part in meaningful activities related to interests
- having places to meet and connect with other people
- able to meet with people from the same cultural background as well as from diverse backgrounds
- able to get support for risks such as elder abuse.
5. In touch with a changing world
- not left behind in our changing world
- knowing what help is available as needs change and increase
- able to get information when needed
- having opportunities to develop technology skills and knowledge, and to access technology
- provided with alternatives to online platforms for information and services.
6. Safe and secure at home and financially
- having the right housing at the right time in the right place
- able to age in place with the right supports
- able to supplement income through work
- able to afford accommodation and utilities costs
- having access to a wide range of discounts for seniors
- feeling safe at home and in the community, particularly at night
- having the right support to manage family relationship stress and elder abuse
- able to access free and low-cost social activities
- able to undertake life planning and have decisions respected and supported.
7. Able to manage health issues including mental health
- able to access services and support when needed
- actively managing health conditions
- able to exercise and maintain good nutrition and a healthy diet
- having access to recreation and sporting facilities
- having the knowledge and information to access support and services, particularly mental health services
- having health needs, including mental health needs, recognised and responded to.
8. Able to get around
- having access to cost-effective local community transport services, particularly after giving up a driver’s licence
- having access to parking and safe carparks, including select parking for seniors, carers and disability
- having an age-friendly built environment – for example, with pedestrian crossings and footpaths suitable for those using mobility aids.
Updated