Increased control over health and health limitations
A strong factor in quality of life as we get older is understanding how to manage the onset of health conditions. This helps in maintaining independence. More broadly, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of self-management in health care. People have tackled the virus through individual actions such as:
- physical distancing
- hand sanitising and washing
- wearing face masks
- getting vaccinated.
One clear lesson from the pandemic has been the importance of actions by individuals, governments and health services to manage health risks. Good health literacy can prevent hospital and emergency admissions. It also keeps healthcare costs down.
Positive mental health and wellbeing links with physical health and ageing well. Through Victoria’s reform of the mental health system, the government commits to ensuring senior Victorians have the same access to mental health treatment, care and support as the wider adult population.
In recent years, people aged 50 years or older have been more likely to drink alcohol. They are doing so at riskier levels than in previous generations. People in this age group more often use illicit and non-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. The specific risks linked with drinking include cardiovascular disease, dementia and various cancers. For drug use, the risks include overdose and chronic health conditions.
We recognise that complex interactions of various political, social, economic and environmental conditions determine a person’s health, experience of disease and mortality. But the pandemic has shown us the importance and benefits of supporting healthy behaviours. Despite this, many older people have postponed treatments or medical care for ongoing conditions because of fear of catching the virus on public transport or in a hospital. Even with our high vaccination rate, older people are wary of contracting COVID-19. This makes sense given the higher risk of serious illness and death. Older people have continued to avoid activities such as exercise, medical visits and social engagements.
Timeline of what the government will deliver
Current and ongoing
We will deliver
Victoria’s end-of-life and palliative care framework. This will ensure all Victorians and their families receive the best possible end-of-life care. This care will place them at the centre where preferences, values, dignity and comfort are respected, and quality of life matters most.
Impact
Improved end-of-life and palliative care.
From 2022
We will deliver
Innovative models to improve the health of older people. VicHealth will explore this through intergenerational methodologies within its existing strategic agenda.
Impact
Improved health and wellbeing of older Victorians.
2022-23
We will deliver
Service delivery across Victoria at local, area-based and statewide levels, including 22 Adult and Older Adult Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. We will deliver these partnerships between public health services and hospitals and non-government organisations that provide wellbeing supports.
Impact
Improved mental health and wellbeing of adults and older adults with higher levels of need.
We will deliver
A responsive integrated mental health and wellbeing service stream for older Victorians. The stream will ensure improved access to the same mental health treatment, care and support as the rest of the adult population.
Impact
Improved care and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for older adults.
From 2024
We will deliver
Incorporation of the evidence-based elements of ageing well in guidance to councils for their municipal health and wellbeing plans (Department of Health).
Impact
More local ageing well strategies to benefit older people.
Timeline of what the government is delivering
Current and ongoing
We are delivering
The largest public sector residential aged care services (PSRACS) sector in Australia. The sector will provide 5,620 operational PSRACS places across Victoria (at 31 March 2021). PSRACS also include specialist aged persons’ mental health facilities. These facilities address the needs of vulnerable older people with complex physical and/or mental health needs.
Impact
Maintaining access to appropriate care and support for senior Victorians with socioeconomic disadvantage, or who have complex care needs.
We are delivering
Aged persons mental health inpatient units. These units provide assessment and treatment for older adults with acute symptoms of mental illness through recovery-oriented care.
Impact
Improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes for older people during an acute phase of mental illness.
Ongoing
We are delivering
The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum strategic priorities. These are in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priority reforms and Korin Korin Balit-Djak system transformation priorities.
Impact
Aboriginal community-controlled organisations enabled to support Elders to determine their health priorities and plans.
We are delivering
Cancer screening and health promotion programs on type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke prevention.
Impact
More people engaging in healthy activities to prevent and address chronic conditions.
From 2022 (three-year trial)
We are delivering
Social prescribing trials in the first six Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. The trials will prioritise isolated senior Victorians, supporting health professionals to refer people with psychological distress or mental illness into community initiatives.
Impact
Improved community participation, inclusion and connection for senior Victorians.
2022-23
We are delivering
60 Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. These services offer:
- mental health treatment, care and support for people with mental health needs related to ageing
- consultative help to primary and secondary care services that support older people, including of aged care.
Impact
Improved mental health care access and wellbeing outcomes for older people.
Updated