Share COTA Connects
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Message from the CEO
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On 1 May the Andrews Government brought down their 2018–19 Budget. COTA Victoria was pleased to see the investment in the health system to enable it to better meet the needs of an ageing population. However, ageing is about much more than health and we were disappointed that there was not more focus on other areas such as employment, community transport and areas of prevention to assist people to remain healthy as they age.. (continue reading)
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Help older people to get the information and support they desperately need
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Together, we can help older people get the information and support they need - so they are not taken advantage of - and they can make good decisions affecting their everyday lives and their futures.
With your help, we can achieve positive change for individuals and older people generally. Together, we can give older people the reassurance and comfort they deserve.
Please consider putting your hand up and saying 'Yes, I will help older people today.' If you can make a gift - whatever gift you are comfortable with - to assist older Victorians, please:
- Make your gift online at https://cotavic.org.au/get-involved/bequests-and-donations/
- Or call 9655 2100 during office hours and we can take your credit card donation over the phone
Read more about our Seniors Information Victoria service appeal.
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Help end elder abuse
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on 15 June to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse. Events are held to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults and the need for appropriate action.
Find out more, including how you can register your event, here.
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It’s an election year so let’s make some noise!
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COTA Victoria is keen to hear from all older people as to what are the important concerns and changes they seek from the Victorian State Government in this election year.
You can have your say via our brief online survey.
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Your Choice, Your Life
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We want to hear from people of Aboriginal, LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex), CALD (cultural and linguistically diverse) backgrounds, and people living in a rural and/or regional setting, about what would make your lives more liveable.
To find out more about this project, and to contribute, please read more.
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Free events for Law Week 2018
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Seniors Rights Victoria is supporting events that help raise awareness of elder abuse being hosted throughout the state as part of this year’s Law Week, from 14-20 May.
Find out about all the events you can attend during this week.
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Elder Abuse as Family Violence discussion papers
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Seniors Rights Victoria has produced a suite of discussion papers on elder abuse as family violence, elder abuse and gender, and preventing elder abuse. The goal of the papers is to ultimately improve understanding and generate thoughts on best practice in preventing and responding to elder abuse.
You can view these papers here.
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Online resource reaches out to seniors from diverse communities
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A new online approach has been taken by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) to better connect with older Australians identifying as Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transexual, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Find out more about this initiative and diverse communities.
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Fay’s fitness milestone of 1000 visits
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At 83 years young, and over 1000 visits to the gym since 2009, Fay Barnes is a fitness inspiration to us all. Find out more about Fay’s story and how you can join the Living Longer Living Stronger™ program, read more.
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Aged care wait lists an “unacceptable problem”
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The Commonwealth Department of Health has released a data report for the period 1 October–31 December 2017. While this report includes increased data visibility, the volume of people shown to be waiting for a Home Care Package in Australia is “an unacceptable problem” according to Ian Yates, CEO COTA Australia.
Read more about this report.
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Risk of faulty circuit breakers in aged care facilities
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The electrical company Eaton has issued a recall notice for certain circuit breakers that may be at risk of fault. Organisations should review current circuit breakers and take appropriate action where required.
Read more to find out if you may be affected by this recall.
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Ask Izzy provides insights into homelessness data
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Ask Izzy is a free app, location-based which provides access to Australia's most comprehensive directory of services so those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can find what they need. Recently released data insights from the directory show an alarming rise in the demand for food.
Read more about Ask Izzy and the data insights it is providing.
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Mandatory flu vaccinations for staff at government aged care facilities
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From 1 May 2018, mandatory protection against the flu has been extended to staff and volunteers at Australian Government-subsidised residential aged care providers.
Read more.
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Get paid $50 to save money
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The Victorian Government has introduced an online tool for helping consumers compare deals offered by power companies. The Government is offering $50 to each household who uses the tool between 1 July and 31 December 2018.
Find out how you can save money on your bills and get $50 for free here.
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Stay a step ahead of online scammers
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Older Victorians are the fastest growing online user group in the country. Consumer Affairs Victoria is giving older Victorians some advice when it comes to staying safe online – if in doubt, don’t.
Here are some further tips to stay safe from the professional criminals online.
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Avoid paying extra fees for bills you receive in the mail
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Companies may be charging to send your bills by mail – but there are ways to avoid paying extra. Businesses may charge fees to cover the cost of printing and posting your bill, so the simplest way to avoid charges is to receive your bills electronically. If you are unable to receive bills electronically, you may still be eligible for an exemption from fees.
Find out more here.
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Safety alert over Heritage gas heaters
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The Victorian Government has issued a safety alert about the potential health risks of certain gas heaters producing high levels of carbon monoxide.
Find out if you may be affected here.
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What public transport systems do we want?
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As part of our community engagement strategy, COTA Victoria conducted 22 Listening Posts in rural and regional areas around Victoria, with transport emerging as a priority issue. As a result, COTA Victoria is organising a Transport Forum on Thursday 28th June 2018, and we want your input.
Further information and Forum registration.
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Free Information Sessions at COTA
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Seniors Information (COTA) Victoria provides information sessions to groups throughout Victoria and also in our beautiful office located in the heart of CBD! These sessions are open to public, are free of charge and anyone can participate.
Upcoming topics include:
Find out more.
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Social media and extreme weather events
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RMIT Researchers want to hear from people 60 years+ about how they use social media to get information about extreme weather events.
If you would like to participate contact:
Dr Mari Fitzpatrick
E: mari.fitzpatrick@rmit.edu.au
P: 9925 0125
or
Vanessa Cooper
E: vanessa.cooper@rmit.edu.au
P: 9925 5786
All participants will receive a $25 voucher in appreciation of their time. Read more at COTA Victoria website.
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Families in Later Life Study
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A study by Deakin University aims to better understand family bonds among seniors and their sons/daughters. If you are 65+, can complete the study with your child and are fluent in English you may qualify.
To participate please call (03) 9246 8544 or email fills@deakin.edu.au
For more information visit COTA Victoria website.
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Hearing Loss Survey
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Better Hearing Australia (VIC) want to find out the hearing health needs of COTA members and what information and advice need to be made clear to the community. Please take part in this five minute survey to assist this research.
Begin survey
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Lifestyle changes can enhance brain function
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A growing body of research suggests a range of lifestyle changes might help enhance our brain function, and even prevent brain disease. Yen Ying Lim discusses how practices such as exercise, meditation and even hypnosis might help keep our brains healthier as we age.
Read more
Acknowledgement: Article written by Yen Ying Lim Research Fellow, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and this article was originally published on The Conversation.
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New labelling laws mean healthier choices on the menu
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From 1 May 2018, large Victorian fast food and supermarket chains are required to display the kilojoule content of ready-to-eat food and drinks.
By increasing awareness of kilojoule content and daily intake, the Labor Government is helping Victorians build healthy food habits and live longer, healthier lives.
Read more
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Free event! Luciano Chessa in concert
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Don’t miss this unique concert by composer, conductor, pianist, audiovisual and performance artist Luciano Chessa. The concert will take place on from 6.30 pm Wednesday 23 May at the Italian Cultural Institute, 233 Domain Road.
Click here to book your place online
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