Adding life to years
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Summary

Queensland celebrates the important contribution of older people in their families and communities during Seniors Month that is held in October each year. It commences on the UN’s International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and includes Grandparents Day (27 October).
In October 2024, 115 community organisations shared in grants up to $2000 each (totaling $200,000) to host events and activities that focus on increasing the social connectedness of older people, under the theme of “Love getting older in Queensland”.
Seniors Month provides an opportunity for older Queenslanders to connect with other seniors and their communities and embrace the things they love about getting older. All Queenslanders are encouraged to join the celebrations and connect with others by participating in one or more of the many events throughout the state.
Events that were supported by the grant program included fitness classes, craft workshops, jazz concerts, technology and IT courses, morning teas, painting classes, gardening, expos, cooking workshops, personal safety sessions, family tree research lessons, intergenerational activities, cycling adventures.
In total, more than 800 Seniors Months events were held, attracting more than 33,000 people.
Seniors Month aligns with the age-friendly domains of, social participation, respect and social inclusion, community and health care, and communication and information.
The Queensland Government’s continued support for Seniors Month affirms our commitment to creating age-friendly communities where older Queenslanders are connected to their communities and feel safe, supported, cared for and celebrated.

Website: https://qldseniorsmonth.org.au/

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Other target group(s): • Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander peoples. • South Sea Islander peoples. • People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds • People who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI). • People with disability.

Sector(s): Information and communication

Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Ageism
  • Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
  • Intergenerational activities
  • Inclusion
  • Participation
  • Technologies

Contact details

Name: Kerry Stephen

Email address: Kerry.Stephen@dcssds.qld.gov.au

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Other

Others involved in the project:
  • Local authorities
  • Civil Society Organisation
  • Older People’s Association
  • Volunteers

How collaboration worked: The Queensland Government funds the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland (Queensland’s peak body for seniors) to coordinate Seniors Month and deliver the grant program on its behalf. Successful community organisations who delivered the Seniors Month events and activities included not-for-profit, charitable and community organisations, schools, local governments and libraries.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: The Queensland Government engages with older people through various mechanisms including a direct engagement program and through support for the Council on the Ageing Queensland as a peak representative body. The voice of older people informs the development of seniors related programs, policies and initiatives, including Seniors Month.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Feedback:
Attendance was strong at Seniors Month events across the state. In total, more than 800 Seniors Months events were held, attracting more than 33,000 people. Feedback received from older Queenslanders has been positive.

Expansion plans:
The Queensland Government continues to support Seniors Months and events will be held across the state in 2025.

Looking back

Reflections:
Working in partnership with COTA Qld helps to promote the grant program across their networks and raise awareness of Seniors Month activities, ensuring its success. Several councils placed one entry into the Seniors Month online calendar but had multiple events detailed on their own websites. It is likely the total event listing was in the region of 1250. In the future, amendments will be made to the website and acquittal forms to include multiple event number boxes.

Challenges:
The total amount of applications received in 2024 was high, evidencing the need and desire of our Queensland State community organisations to continue to support and be part of Seniors Month.