POSITIVE AGEING STRATEGY

• Positive Ageing Strategy 2008-2013

This Positive Ageing Strategy has been developed in response to the significant ageing of our population. The ultimate goal of the Strategy is to maximise the quality of life, participation and social recognition of seniors living in Ballarat. The Strategy provides direction to Council by identifying the priority issues and needs of the Ballarat community; particularly those pertaining to senior members of the community. It outlines a plan of action for the next five years in response to these needs that Council, together with community and other stakeholders, will implement.

Positive Ageing is about developing age-friendly communities which create opportunities for older people to live active and fulfilling lives now and into the future. It seeks and values the opinions and contributions of all residents regardless of age. An age-friendly community encourages participation in a wide range of life opportunities and removes or minimises barriers to participation, be they physical, social or economic. It supports the rights of individuals to make choices about the way they live and provides quality services to support those who need them.

The methodology used to develop the Strategy included the identification of community aspirations and needs through a diverse and integrated process of community engagement and participation. Community members, key stakeholders from partner organisations together with Council staff provided input into setting priorities and developing actions.

The key decision-making group for the development of the Strategy was a Seniors Reference Group made up of community members from the 2007 Ballarat nominations for the Senior Victorian of the Year. The group met on five occasions and assisted in the development of values and a framework for the Strategy. Through this process, 6 key priority areas were identified:

• Promote and maintain physical and mental health and wellbeing
• Support lifelong learning
• Build supportive communities
• Value, respect and care for all ages
• Provide a safe, secure living environment
• Support the provision of all age-inclusive transport systems

Eighteen action areas have been developed under the 6 priorities; these actions involve a number of departments across Council in addition to a diverse range of partnerships with community organisations, service providers, businesses and government organisations. This strategy recommends a proactive "whole of Council" approach to plan and provide for the growth in the ageing population in Ballarat.