VICTORIA is well on its way to an age-friendly future. That’s according to Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) positive ageing policy adviser Jan Bruce.
She said the peak body, which represents 79 councils, has been actively working to help its councils create more age-friendly environments since the World Health Organisation launched its guide to Global Age-friendly Cities in 2007.
From improving walkability and installing free low-impact exercise equipment in local parks to making shopping precincts more age-friendly and public toilets more accessible, there are many ways cities and communities can be made more liveable for seniors.
Ms Bruce, who has been in her position for 10 years, has been “extremely encouraged” by the progress councils have made in becoming more age-friendly.
The Global Network of Age Friendly Cities was established by the WHO to foster communication and collaboration between participating cities worldwide.
And so far seven Victorian councils – Banyule, Boroondara, Cardinia, Macedon Ranges, Maroondah, Mornington Peninsula and Warrnambool – have officially signed up.
“The process is led and directed by elderly people,” Ms Bruce said. “It’s all about trying to do the best you can to create a space that’s good to grow old in.”
According to the WHO, the eight core features of an age-friendly city are housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transport.
Since May last year, a further 43 Victorian councils have signed an Age Friendly Victoria Declaration, a commitment between the state government and its signatories to make communities more comfortable for the elderly.
In Mitchell Shire, seven savvy positive ageing ambassadors were selected by the council in early 2016, tasked with identifying and developing age-friendly projects to make seniors feel more connected.
Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said the ambassadors had put in many hours of hard work.
“Anything that can be done to make life easier and more enjoyable for our senior residents and make them feel more included is a great thing,” she said.
The central Victorian shire of Mount Alexander and Darebin Council have also signed up to the declaration.
Darebin mayor Kim Le Cerf said the council has done a lot of great work over the years through its Active and Healthy Ageing Strategy. “We know active and healthy ageing is more than just delivering services to older people in their homes,” she said. “It requires all of us to look through an older person’s lens to ensure our services meet their needs.”
The council also looked at ways to make shopping precincts more age-friendly.
Maroondah City Council and Bayside City Council have introduced free intergenerational iPad and IT training programs between students and older people, while in the Port Phillip Council area, seniors can use a free community bus.
Council on the Ageing has been working with Brimbank City Council to conduct community consultation to make the area more age-friendly, while Macedon Ranges has launched a Facebook page for over 55s.
Engaging people in small towns
Victoria’s push towards age-friendly communities comes on the back of the state government’s 2015 Improving Liveability for Older People project aimed at actively engaging older people in small towns.
Ideas include:
- Introducing scooter recharge points to increase mobility and encourage participation in community life.
- Providing town maps to enhance mobility and safety.
- Creating local arts programs to reduce isolation, encourage social interactions and provide creative experiences.
- Establishing a men’s shed to provide a venue for older men to socialise and build self-esteem.
- Setting up a healthy food program.
- Developing fitness programs at senior citizens clubs.
- Encouraging young people to teach older people skills in using technology to create intergenerational connections.
