Seniors Minister Craig Crawford with Auntie Dulcie of Time with Grandparents and Quandamooka elder Uncle Norm Enoch.
The Department of Health has reported that 900,000 senior citizens in Queensland wish to stay in their own home and manage cost-of-living as their top priorities according to a state-wide survey.
Minister for Aged Care Craig Crawford launched the new online seniors’ survey to help develop a new senior’s strategy for Queensland.
According to the survey, older Queenslanders are “tech-savvy”, value relationships in person and online, and are the backbone of the state’s volunteers.
“How we age is changing across Queensland,’’ Mr Crawford said.
“People are living longer, are healthier and more active than ever, and we see this across the State.”
He said the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that by 2050, more than one in five Queenslanders will be 65 years or older, which will be nearly a quarter of the State’s population (22.1 per cent) or 1.8 million people.
“We know cost-of-living, and stretching out the savings and pension to last, is a big one for older Queenslanders,’’ Mr Crawford said.
He said seniors could save thousands of dollars a year and ease cost-of-living pressures if they accessed the concessions and rebates on offer by the State Government.
“That includes electricity, utility bills, rates and health-related concessions,” he said.
“We want seniors to get their discounts, not everything comes automatically with age, they have to register and apply for them.”
Mr Crawford said the new online survey would give a greater voice to older people and allow them to share more about what’s important to them as they age.
“Older people are important to Queensland’s future and who better to inform us about their experiences and aspirations than seniors themselves”, the Minister said.
“We want to hear from older Queenslanders, listen to their needs, heed their wisdom and experience, and hear their practical ideas, no matter where they live.
“It’s about continuing to build an inclusive State where Queensland seniors are valued, respected and actively engaged in their communities.”
The online survey for seniors to visit can be accessed at this PS News link.
