Age Friendly Benalla: The decade of healthy ageing

Jan 4, 2021

Age Friendly Benalla's column this week looks at what the World Health Organization (WO) has described as the decade of healthy ageing.

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The WHO has declared 2020 to 2030 as the “Decade of Healthy Ageing”.

It is an opportunity to gain collaborative action by individuals, governments and societies to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.

This announcement coincides with a Department of Health and Human Services report, entitled Ageing well in a changing world, launched on November 12.

In its foreword, the report cites that globally, by September 2020 COVID-19 cases had reached 27 million people and were responsible for nearly 900,000 deaths.

“Older people had been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with the overwhelming majority of deaths among people aged over 60, in particular those with co-morbidities,” the report said.

It added that senior Victorians had been particularly affected by the occurrence of a second wave of COVID-19 which caused a high death toll of residents in aged care.

There was also a significant increase in the risk of isolation and loneliness among older people due to the need for stricter stay-at-home directions and restricted access of families to those living in aged care homes.

The release of the report coincides with communities and governments dealing with unprecedented health measures in response to COVID-19, and warned that for the foreseeable future the aspiration for senior Victorians to age well would continue to occur in the context of COVID-19.

The report sets out senior Victorians’ views and aspirations for ageing well. Some 4726 senior Victorians responded to an online survey, adding their voices to the views of 231 face-to-face consultations, to provide the research material.

The findings of the research will inform the development of the Victorian Ageing Well framework, and the aspirations captured in the key attributes of ageing well will provide a vitally important starting point.

At a state government level, the initial five priority areas for action identified by older Victorians as the basis for reform are:

1. Senior Victorians desire to have a greater voice.

Older people want to have greater input into factors that impact on their wellbeing and ability to age well. They have the knowledge, wisdom and expertise to contribute to policy discussions and the setting of priorities, including through the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing. Governments and communities will benefit from giving older people a voice in decision making. In progressing the Ageing Well framework, the Victorian Government could give consideration to this by, for example, appointing an advisory group of older people. A Victorian ‘State of ageing’ report should be published, for example, every three years to provide an update on the progress made on the Ageing Well framework to ensure their input is being acted upon.

2. Triggering a longevity dividend.

Maximising the participation of older people in social, economic and community life will deliver long-term dividends for our society as the population continues to age. This will require investing in resources to enable older people to age well in their local communities and pursue activities that engage and interest them. It will include supporting better self-management of health, enabling economic and workforce participation, increasing access to secure and appropriate housing, and maintaining the Seniors and Carers card discount programs, the Seniors Myki and government concessions.

3. Respect and recognition of older people.

Older people reported facing ageism, including a feeling that society treats them as if they are invisible, rather than valuing their contribution. This should be addressed by fostering respect for seniors and reinforcing their right to be treated with dignity as they age, have independence in decision making, and to live free from harm and abuse. Strategies are needed to reduce internalised ageism and the stigma associated with seeking help that causes older people to delay getting necessary services and support. It includes fostering social connections to reduce isolation and loneliness, including within residential aged care settings, through a range of initiatives such as strengthening community connections and expanding intergenerational programs.

4. Navigation to service and support.

To maintain their independence, older people need access to support and services in a timely manner. For example, there is need for greater recognition that mental health issues are not a natural consequence of growing old and that older people experiencing mental health issues should have access to and receive services tailored to meet their needs. In addition, older people report the aged care system is too complex and difficult to navigate and there are long waiting periods for home support services. They also struggle to identify the services they are eligible to receive. Improvements are needed to ensure senior Victorians can readily find information and practical support and that service systems are easily navigable so they can find the support they require. Better co-ordination of policies and services is needed to streamline access and delivery across all levels of government. This includes increasing the availability of local parking and community transport options to improve accessibility for older people to attend to necessities such as shopping, doctor appointments and chemist visits and to participate in local activities.

5. Online alternatives and support.

Victorian seniors consider keeping in touch with our changing world to be a priority; but while some are comfortable using technology, many others require additional support to take advantage of online access to medical consultations and essential services, as well as using the internet to maintain social connections. This requires strategies to address the digital divide as well as the provision of face-to-face or personalised alternatives to online platforms to access information, services and support. When the Ageing Well framework uses these identified priorities to guide future programs and investment, the rewards will be shared far beyond those Victorians aged 60-plus.

Read the full report or watch the video at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Meanwhile, Benalla Men's Shed members have reminded us that they will be moving into their new premises early in the new year and they would be very happy to welcome new members.

For more information on how to join the Men's Shed call President Ian Croxford on 0407 362 541.

Age Friendly Benalla extends its thanks to Benalla Rural City Council and to all the staff at The Ensign for their support throughout the year.