Ageing on the Edge 

The national Ageing on the Edge Older Persons Homelessness Prevention Project has released its report on the housing crisis facing a growing number of older people in Queensland.

The Ageing on the Edge Project is a partnership between Dr Debbie Faulkner from the University of Adelaide and Jeff Fiedler from the Housing for the Aged Action Group and funded by The Wicking Trust. Produced in consultation with key Queensland agencies, including COTA Queensland, the report highlights the rapidly growing  problems facing many older people in Queensland.

Housing stress and homelessness is a continuing and unacceptable issue for many Australians and a growing issue for the country’s older population.

The report also identifies solutions to address the vital housing and service responses needed to help older people in Queensland who are struggling in poverty, hardship and at risk of homelessness.

While there are a range of circumstances that increase people’s vulnerability, the real issue is the lack of affordable and appropriate housing as increasing numbers of Australians do not have the security of home ownership or the privilege of living in social housing.

This research has found that there are many older renters struggling and doing without the daily essentials of life such as food, heating, medications and aged care to ensure they keep a roof over their head.

COTA Queensland is strongly encouraging the Queensland government to incorporate the key recommendations from this report in their current Housing Strategy and urgently implement them.

 

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