The needs and experiences of older people are diverse. Consistent with Australia-wide trends, our population is ageing. In 2021, there were more than 19,000 people aged 60 years and older residing in the City of Port Phillip representing 19 per cent of our population.
Our draft Positive Ageing Policy will guide how Council promotes ageing well in our community for people aged 60 years and older (and First Nations people aged 50 years and older), as well as their families and carers in the City of Port Phillip over the next four years. We have already engaged extensively with stakeholders and community members to develop this draft policy. This has included interviews with service providers, a survey of community members and input from our older persons, multicultural and LGBTIQA+ advisory committees.
The draft policy sets out the following six goals to promote positive ageing in the City of Port Phillip:
- All people have access to opportunities for social and intergenerational connections as they age
- Effective communication and duration to ensure people are aware of, and can access services to maintain their health and wellbeing
- The contribution of older people from all genders, backgrounds, identities, and abilities is respected and valued across our community
- Accessible, affordable, and quality services are available to meet changing needs to support health and independence as people age
- Secure, affordable and accessible housing enables people to 'age in place'
- Well-designed neighbourhoods enable easy access to services, and connection to friends, family, and community life.
Each goal is supported by commitments of what Council will do. For more on how we propose to implement these commitments and to provide your feedback, visit our Have Your Say page: Positive Ageing | Have Your Say Port Phillip
Our commitments will guide Council decisions about the programs and services it will provide to promote positive ageing in our community. The full draft Positive Ageing Policy is available on Council's website. We invite your feedback on the draft Positive Ageing Policy by Monday 20 March 2023.
You can do this on our Have Your Say page or via a paper survey.
Please contact ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 to receive a paper survey if required.
