Have your say on city’s Positive Ageing Strategy

THE City of Greater Geelong is keen to hear from everyone in the community about how to make the municipality a more age-friendly place to live.

Following the development of its Respected, Connected and Thriving – Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2047, the city is now seeking input into bringing the strategy to life.

The first phase of the co-design process – the “discovery” phase – focuses on capturing community stories through conversations.

A Conversation Toolkit has been created to provide guidance to people having conversations with one other person or hosting group conversations, including key questions and conversation tips.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said people over the age of 55 should be heard when considering plans for the city’s future.

“In 2016, people aged 55 years and over comprised approximately 30 per cent of the population of Greater Geelong,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The number of people aged 55 and over is expected to increase by 68 per cent between 2016 and 2041, from approximately 72,000 to 120,000.

“This demographic forms an integral part of our community, and it is vitally important that these residents are given a voice in planning for the years ahead.”

There are three themes of the strategy to make Greater Geelong a more age-friendly place:

• People, as they age, live in safe, welcoming and strongly connected local communities
• People, as they age, are respected, supported and encouraged to participate as active citizens in building strong local communities, and
• As they age, people have access to places, spaces and services.

Chair of the ageing well advisory committee Cr Sarah Mansfield said it was important that the needs and aspirations of older members of the Geelong community were appreciated.

“As people age, they want to feel welcomed, known, valued and respected by other people within their local community,” Cr Mansfield said.

“We want older people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to share their views and help shape Greater Geelong to be a more age-friendly place.”

The initiative reflects the thoughts of participants in the 2021 Seniors Festival, with one person commenting:

“Community involvement is very important for my mental health and wellbeing”, while another participant offered “It is important for Seniors to feel connected and part of the community”.

The opportunity to contribute runs until March 11.

For more information, including the Conversation Toolkit, head to the city’s Your Say website.