The City of Greater Bendigo has adopted a new Positive Ageing Action Plan (PAAP) 2023-2025 which outlines its commitment to older adults in the Greater Bendigo community for the next two years.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the PAAP is an important piece of work for the City given that over a quarter of Greater Bendigo's population is aged over 60.
"In 2021, there was 31,827 people aged over 60 years, representing 26.2 percent of Greater Bendigo's population of 121,478," Cr Metcalf said.
"Areas forecast to have a high percentage of older adults by 2036 include Heathcote, Elmore, East Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat, Big Hill and Strathdale - all of which will have more than 30% of their population aged over 60 years.
"Our growing population of older adults will have a significant impact on the type and level of services and support required by older residents from all levels of government to ensure they enjoy healthy and active lives.
"This growth will impact on the diverse needs of older adults and will require a range of activities and programs to support them to age well.
"The PAAP responds to five key priority areas - healthy and well, safe and secure, able to participate, connected to culture and community and liveable by setting out a broad range of actions, activities and initiatives to support and respond to issues, opportunities and challenges for older adults.
"It also aligns with the objectives and actions of the City's Healthy Greater Bendigo and the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.
"The plan will help guide the City to improve how we share information and communicate with older people. It also aims to celebrate older adults through various means including annual Seniors Festival celebrations and the Positive Ageing and Disability Expo and the development of new and exciting projects.
"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the draft PAAP which was released earlier this year for community comment. Over 100 residents provided feedback which was considered and incorporated into the final plan."
The Positive Ageing Action Plan 2023-2025 is available to view at
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Community-and-Care/Older-adults
