Queensland’s peak body for seniors is celebrating its 60th birthday by fighting back against ageism.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans said with the state’s rapidly ageing population, the role of the organisation was more important than ever to ensure that the rights, interests and futures of older Queenslanders were respected and embraced.
COTA will celebrate its birthday at Brisbane City Hall on Monday 21 August following a public forum exploring the idea of Creating Age-friendly Communities. The Minister for Seniors, the Honourable Coralee O’Rourke will officially launch Seniors Week 2017 (August 19 to 27) at the forum.
“This forum will bring together representatives from all levels of government, business and the community sector with a vested interest in creating communities that support and enable older people in live in safety, enjoy good health, and continue to fully participate in society,” Mr Tucker-Evans said.
“With population projections estimating that in 20 years’ time close to one in five Queenslanders will be over the age of 65, I think people of all ages should be concerned that we are not sufficiently prepared and that many people will find themselves unable to enjoy the quality of life they so rightly deserve.
“We all want to maintain good health, spend time with family and friends and be part of the community around us – getting older shouldn’t stop those things from happening.”
Mr Tucker-Evans said the Queensland Government was to be commended for taking the first steps towards creating a more age-friendly state, but he was concerned with the government’s approach.
“COTA Queensland would strongly urge the government to immediately broaden the focus of its Advancing Queensland: an age-friendly community program and investigate the eight domains in unison rather than in isolation,” he said.
“We need to act now if we are going to be ready to respond appropriately and sufficiently to the ever-increasing number of ageing Queenslanders in the coming years – they have so much to offer in terms of experience, wisdom and time but need to be enabled to fully participate and be part of society.”
For more information about what’s on in Seniors Week visit www.qldseniorsweek.org.au. Held throughout the state, the week is designed to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share experiences and celebrate the many contributions older Queenslanders make in their communities. This year’s activities include cinema showings, BBQs, expos, dances and more.
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Media contact: Mark Tucker-Evans
Email: mark.tucker-evans@cotaqld.org.au
