Tasmania takes important step toward age-friendly State

Media Release

Wednesday January 22 2025

Tasmania takes important step toward age-friendly State

COTA Tasmania has welcomed the State Government’s launch of ‘A Respectful, Age-Friendly Island: Older Tasmanians’ Action Plan 2025-2029’, while at the same time emphasising a critical need for its swift implementation.

“While this milestone has been longer in coming than we would have liked, we are encouraged to see the Government’s commitment to making Tasmania a place where older people are respected, involved, and informed about their choices and opportunities as they age,” said COTA Tasmania CEO Brigid Wilkinson.

The Plan draws heavily on COTA Tasmania’s comprehensive 2022 Healthy, Engaged and Resilient (H.E.A.R) consultation, which saw more than 1500 Tasmanians share their views, experiences and suggestions to enable them to age well.

This groundbreaking consultation identified key factors affecting quality of life for older Tasmanians, including health, financial security, relationships, and independence.

“We heard very clearly throughout our consultation, as well as within our regular ongoing engagement with older people across the State, that they want to be treated with respect and equity. They want to feel included, heard, valued and connected as they age,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“It is important we listen more closely to the needs and experiences of older Tasmanians so that all Tasmanians can live a good life, no matter their age. We are particularly keen to work with the Government through the Governance Group which is being established to support and review the Plan, ensuring older Tasmanians are consulted more regularly and their views incorporated into policy development. At the same time, it’s essential we move from consultation to action.”

Tasmania faces a significant demographic shift, with nearly one-third of the population expected to be aged 65 and over by 2050. Currently, 40.8% of Tasmanians are over 50, making the Plan’s timing crucial for future planning.

An important aspect of this planning is to ensure appropriate programs and services promoting and supporting health and wellbeing and participation for older Tasmanians are available across the State, and are affordable. This also includes quality aged care services which while funded by the Federal Government, require the Tasmanian Government to advocate for on behalf of Tasmania.

“We’re particularly pleased to see the Plan’s recognition of the new national aged care reforms due to begin in the middle of this year,” Mrs Wilkinson said. “This alignment will help ensure older Tasmanians can access the support they need to maintain their independence.”

COTA Tasmania’s strong advocacy and input is reflected in the Plan through combatting ageism and elder abuse, alongside a commitment to creating and planning within age-friendly principles, ensuring vibrant, resilient, and connected communities for generations to come.

Key features of these communities include accessible, age-friendly housing, efficient transportation systems, public spaces that encourage physical activity and social interaction, and services that are easy to navigate and tailored to the needs of older adults.

However, COTA Tasmania emphasises that success will require substantial investment and coordination.
“We need stronger partnerships with local government and increased funding to create truly age-friendly communities. The Plan provides a framework, but implementation will be key.”

“This Action Plan represents a renewed focus on older Tasmanians’ needs. Now we must ensure it delivers meaningful change through evidence-based planning and proper resourcing. COTA Tasmania stands ready to work with the Government to transform these commitments into reality,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

For further information contact:
Brigid Wilkinson, CEO
Mobile: 0437 031 173 Email: BrigidW@cotatas.org.au

Click here to download a copy of ‘A Respectful, Age-Friendly Island: Older Tasmanians’ Action Plan 2025-2029’

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