Government focus on positive and active ageing
The Federal Government has committed to a greater focus on positive and active ageing – as part of its social inclusion and reducing social isolation agenda.
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has convened a high level meeting with three figures in the field, to draw on their ideas and experience in this area, and to expand the Government’s agenda for ageing in Australia.
“This is about social inclusion and valuing the knowledge and experience of older Australians and tapping into their wisdom,” Mrs Elliot said.
“It is also about ensuring older people are connected to the community. Older Australians are still contributing to our society, but it is about choices.
People over the age of 55 contribute the most hours of volunteer work – contributing an estimated $75 billion per annum in unpaid caring and volunteering activities. More than half of this is being contributed by people over 65 years.
Labor force participation rates for people aged 50-59 years increased from 61% in 1984 to 71% in 2004.
Mrs Elliot met with Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, whose organisation handles about 110 complaints in this area a year; Aged Care Commissioner, Rhonda Parker, who is an expert speaker on positive ageing, was Associate Professor at the Centre for Research on Ageing at Curtin University of Technology, Perth, and a former chief executive officer of Positive Ageing Foundation of Australia Inc; and Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, who was appointed earlier this year by the Australian Government.
“The Rudd Government is committed to helping older people maintain their independence while staying connected to the community.
“I encourage older Australians to recognise the benefits associated with participating in community life, regular exercise and recreational activities” Mrs Elliot said.
Mrs Elliot said the Government is working to provide opportunities for older Australians to maintain their contribution to the community, throughout their lives.
