STATE and local governments in Victoria will work together to plan for age-friendly communities that help reduce isolation as figures show more than 185,000 older Victorians will be socially isolated by 2031.
Minister for Ageing Martin Foley launched a new report on social isolation, Ageing is Everyone’s Business, in April 14 and signed a new age-friendly declaration with the Municipal Association of Victoria to launch a co-ordinated approach to the issue.
The report by Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour recommends developing an integrated seniors action plan with a focus on areas including promoting purpose as people age, strengthening seniors’ inclusion at the local level, strengthening referral pathways for elder abuse, community education and personal mobility and transport. It says research suggests 10 per cent of people over 65 are socially isolated, with a further 12 per cent at risk of social isolation.
Particilarly at risk are people in rural areas, those on low incomes, those at risk of homelessness or elder abuse, single people with no children, and recent immigrants from countries with a different language background.
On the positive side, the report says older people who remain engaged contribute substantially to the community, with more than 12 per cent of Victorians over 60 providing unpaid care to another person in 2011.
Health impacts of social isolation include high blood pressure, mental health issues and increased risk of cognitive decline, heart disease and stroke.
Suggested actions include strengthening information provided to seniors about activities and opportunities for involvement in their area, and better planning for transport options including ensuring buses are accessible and stop at seniors centres and other key locations, support to use transport and support for micro-transport opportunities including volunteer drivers.
Help to access online information and services was also identified as vital to promoting inclusion.
