Towards an age-friendly Queensland

The Queensland Government, through the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, leads a whole-of-government approach to support older people to lead healthy and productive lives. Our objective is to create communities where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can participate, are included and have opportunities to thrive.

Queensland is a great place and how we age is changing. It is estimated that by 2050, more than one in five Queenslanders will be 65 years or older. Queenslanders are living longer, are healthier and are more independent and active than ever.

Older Queenslanders are working beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 years more often, continuing to contribute valuable life experience and skills to our workplaces. They are digitally connected. They are driving longer, maintaining and building social connections with family and friends. They are carers of grandchildren and others, and are more likely than any other age group to volunteer. They are keen participants in various community sporting, recreational and leisure activities and the keepers of important knowledge about their cultural traditions and their communities.

Older Queenslanders make a significant contribution in their communities every day.

In October 2022, Queensland Government launched Future Directions for an Age-Friendly Queensland affirming our commitment to creating age-friendly communities where older Queenslanders are:

• Connected to their communities and the important people in their lives
• Cared for and supported, if care and support is needed
• Contributing to their local communities in ways of their choosing

A contemporary and meaningful seniors strategy is now being developed, directly informed by the voices of older Queenslanders.

The Queensland Government recognises the importance of strong partnerships and collaborations with Queenslanders themselves to create age-friendly communities. This has led to the establishment of the Communities Engagement Hub, which is a dedicated platform to connect with stakeholders and community members on matters that are important to them as they age. Conversations with seniors are also occurring through a series of events across Queensland and via an online survey. The new strategy is expected to be released later in 2023.

As an Affiliate Member of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, the Queensland Government continues to affirm its ongoing commitment to move towards an age-friendly approach across Queensland.