“As an older resident I want to continue to live in my own house and get the services I need to do this”
In 2020, there were around 50,000 Canberrans aged 65 years and over. This number will increase as our city continues to grow. Our vision is that as an age-friendly city, we will recognise older Canberrans as valued members of our community. We will support people to lead productive and active lives as they age.
The World Health Organisation describes an age-friendly world as one that “enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them. And it helps people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provides appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves.”
Since 2010, the ACT Government and the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing have worked to improve support, connections, and initiatives for senior Canberrans across the areas of transport, infrastructure, health, justice, and human rights.
The 2018 Age-Friendly City Survey found that older Canberrans are highly engaged in the community. Almost all people also said they had the information and support needed to stay healthy and connected. There is room to improve, with nearly one third of people saying they had experienced age-based discrimination. This can include feeling invisible or underestimated, often when shopping or in the workplace.
Wellbeing data for older Canberrans will help us see how we are improving their experiences.
In 2020, the ACT Government launched the Age-Friendly City Plan 2020-2024. This will guide the ACT Government to support older Canberrans to live their best lives. The Age-Friendly City Plan was developed through extensive engagement with the community. It focuses on addressing the barriers facing older Canberrans. This plan is across four focus areas:
- involved, connected, and valued,
- safe, secure, and free from abuse,
- information, services and supports which embrace diversity, and
- a city for all ages.
