Taking older people seriously
Posted
by DPS
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has released its Federal Election Platform for 2010 with the vision that ‘Every older Australian is able to live with dignity and independence in a place of their choosing with a choice of appropriate and affordable support and care services as and when they need them’.
Titled Taking Seniors Seriously, COTA Australia makes the following recommendations:
- Establish a Minister for Older Australians to tackle ageism and age discrimination
- Establish an Age Discrimination Commissioner in the Australian Human Rights Commission to take responsibility for promoting understanding of and implementing compliance with the Age Discrimination Act, and any subsequent piece of discrimination legislation dealing with age issues.
- COTA is seeking commitment to substantial reform of the aged care system including an increased emphasis on community services, giving seniors more choice and a more sustainable funding formula.
COTA would also like the following areas to receive more funding and support:
- Health promotion and preventative health for older people
- Mental health
- National dental and oral health scheme
- Dementia care
- Mature age employment.
