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25th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons .
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Source: UN
October kicked off with the 25th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons with the theme - Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment.
"Making cities inclusive of older persons means generating opportunities for their economic and social participation in accessible and safe environments. It also means providing affordable housing as well as the health and social services needed to support ageing in place."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) to be held in 2016, will focus not only on the impact of the new urban environment on older persons, but also the impact of older persons on the new urban environment.
Already, the move of people worldwide to cities is happening at a record pace, with 6 out of every 10 people in the world expected to reside in urban areas by 2030. Consistent with the phenomenon of urbanization, the number of older persons is increasing most rapidly in urban areas of developing countries. The combined effect of both phenomena means that the number of people over 60 living in cities may grow to over 900 million by 2050 – making up a quarter of the total urban population in developing countries .
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Re-think our cities – UN expert calls for older persons’ accessibility to all urban settings
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Source: UN
Thursday 1 October 2015 GENEVA – Speaking ahead of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, urges States to improve older persons’ accessibility to urban infrastructure, facilities and services.
“We need to re-think our cities. Over 900 million older persons will be living in cities across the world by 2050, but our cities are not fit for this global demographic revolution.
The existing barriers in public spaces and buildings, as well as the lack of safe, affordable, accessible and barrier-free housing and transportation obstruct older persons from fully enjoying their rights and from living in dignity and safety in their communities.
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Safe & Confident Living, Inner Brisbane Suburbs
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Source: COTA Queensland
Approximately 9 percent of Inner Brisbane’s population is aged 65 year or older. At the 2011 census the largest groups of older people in the Inner Brisbane area were in New Farm, Kangaroo Point and Greenslopes.
COTA Queensland manages a project, funded by the Department of Communities, aimed at reducing social isolation of older people living in the Inner Brisbane Suburbs.
Currently COTA co-Chairs with Micah Projects the 500 Lives 500 Homes Aged Care Working Group which through collective impact and collaboration, aims to improve the options available for age-appropriate care and support for older people who are homeless or at risk of homeless.
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Source: COTA Queensland
COTA Queensland will host the 13th Global Conference on Ageing in Brisbane next year with a diverse, international group of high-level government officials, industry leaders, academics, prominent non-governmental organizations, and more generally, experts within the field of ageing. The program has been structured to have three plenary panel sessions taking place at the beginning of each day incorporating the themes of the conference which are Disasters and Older People; Age Friendly Cities and Communities; Care and Support for Older People (Community and Residential); Elder Abuse, Law and Rights; and Income Protection and Security.
Dr. John Beard, Director, Department of Ageing and Life Course, World Health Organization will present and discuss the WHO Global Report on Ageing due to be released later this year.
Call for Symposiums
As part of the Conference program development, the IFA and COTA Queensland are calling on industry groups and the NGO sector to consider developing specialist symposia sessions within the Conference framework. Symposium submissions of particular interest include:
• Disasters and Older People
• Age Friendly Cities and Communities
• Care and Support for Older People (Community and Residential)
• Elder Abuse, Law and Rights
• Income Protection and Security
For more information visit www.ifa2016.org.au
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Pensioner couples renting in private market at greatest risk of poverty
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Source: QCOSS
Queensland couples who rely on the age pension and rent in the private market are at the greatest risk of living in poverty compared to other seniors, according to the Queensland Council of Social Service’s (QCOSS) latest Cost of Living Report.
QCOSS’ third Cost of Living Report – Special Edition: The cost of living and age pensioner households was released on 1 October to coincide with International Day of Older Persons, which this year is highlighting the importance of an age inclusive agenda to promote equity, welfare and shared prosperity for all.
QCOSS CEO Mark Henley said the report showed that the cost of renting privately was still the single biggest financial burden for age pensioners who do not own their own home, despite the fact that the cost of renting in Brisbane appears to be easing. pension,” Mr Henley said.
“Couples represented by our example household of two pensioners renting privately are being forced to make tough decisions every day as to whether to pay their electricity bill, buy medication or put decent food on the table,” Mr Henley said.
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Individuals Building Thriving Communities
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This year the QCOSS conference Individuals building thriving communities will be presented in two exciting formats – day one (13 October) will be a conference day of plenary sessions and concurrent content, while day two (14 October) will be presented in a series of master classes. The two days will be bridged by a relaxed networking event.
To register CLICK HERE
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New information toolkit to protect Queensland seniors
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Source: Media Statement
Older Queenslanders will be more protected against online scams and door-to-door fraudsters, with the launch of a new information pack covering key financial and legal topics.
During Seniors Week 2015 Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke launched the Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy’s (QADA) information pack in a 2016 diary format for older Queenslanders.
“Older Queenslanders have incredible knowledge and experience in our communities, but they may not be comfortable with new technology,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Sadly, this can make them a target to fraudsters trying to take advantage of them with online scams,” she said.
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Queensland Seniors Week 15 -23 August and It was on for young & old
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Source: Lisa Hodgkinson, COTA Queensland
Queensland Seniors Week 2015 saw over 550 events held throughout the state making this years celebration bigger than last year.
We welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to provide free travel for seniors on all Translink and qconnect services across Queensland on the weekend of 22-23 August to celebrate Seniors Week.
Seniors Week aims to:
• improve community attitudes towards older people and ageing
• facilitate community participation and activity by older people, including those from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• enhance community connections and inter-generational relationships.
"There was music, dancing and frivolities. Information days, expos and new programs launched. Old and new connections made during the week" said Lisa Hodgkinson, Seniors Week Coordinator.
"Join me in saying thank you to all of the organisations, planning committees, volunteers and sponsors who made this year such a success"
"Let's keep the momentum going by sharing your stories to the Queensland Seniors Week Facebook Page. It is also a great way to connect your local community members to events happening throughout the year. "
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Source: Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
Grandparents Day is a chance for children and the community to thank grandparents for their love and support.
This special day recognises the significant contribution that grandparents make to their families and communities. It is also an occasion for acknowledging the efforts and devotion of grandparents who are full-time carers for their grandchildren.
In 2015, Queenslanders will celebrate Grandparents Day on Sunday 25 October.
More Info
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‘Doing it Tough’ – How older women in Queensland ‘survive and thrive’ during tough times
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Do you have any insights into surviving and thriving as an older woman in Queensland? If yes, we would like to listen!
Wesley Mission Brisbane and Council of the Ageing (COTA) are working with social research firm Urbis, conducting research to understand how Queensland’s older women survive and thrive during tough times.
The purpose of the study is to better understand the current and future needs of older women across Queensland, particularly those who may be experiencing financial hardship. Feedback from women as well as other stakeholders will be used together with demographic and other research in a report to be released later this year as part of a campaign to raise awareness of this important issue as part of Queensland Anti-Poverty Week.
If you would like to share your experiences and insights, please contact Stephanie Wyeth on swyeth@urbis.com.au to make a time for a phone interview. Interviews would be completed by 30 September 2015. Participant details and discussions would be kept confidential.
Another option is to complete a short survey and provide your insights into surviving and thriving now and in the future.
Participate in our survey here.
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All hands on tech: Queensland seniors get tech savvy
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Older Queenslanders will have greater opportunities to connect with their family and the community through technology, with the launch of a new state-wide program aiming to help seniors navigate the digital world.
Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke and Science and Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch launched the Tech Savvy Seniors initiative, in partnership with the State Library of Queensland and Telstra, in Brisbane today.
“Queensland seniors who complete a Tech Savvy Seniors course will gain basic technology skills, including how to use an iPad, navigate social media, shop online and access government services,” Minister O’Rourke said.
“Tech Savvy Seniors will provide older Queenslanders with the skills they need to access essential digital services and ensure they can participate more in the community and stay connected to family and friends.
"Developing the confidence and skills to use technology and be part of the digital community and economy has become increasingly important to our seniors.”
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Know the Warning Signs as Bushfire Season Begins in Queensland
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Source: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/8/26/locals-urged-to-know-the-warning-signs-as-bushfire-season-begins-in-queensland
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller has today officially launched the 2015 bushfire season in Rockhampton on August 26th as part of a visit to Central Queensland six months on from Cyclone Marcia.
Minister Miller joined local MPs Bill Byrne and Brittany Lauga to launch the campaign and to remind residents of the need to be extra vigilant this year due to additional fuel loads caused by the Category 5 system.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $200,000 in this year’s bushfire season advertising campaign designed to educate Queenslanders about the three levels of bushfire warnings and what actions they should take if a bushfire impacts their property,” Minister Miller said.
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National Survey on Sex and Relationships Among Older Australians
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Source: Dr Bianca Fileborn
PARTICIPANTS WANTED!
Are you aged 60 and older and currently living in Australia?
You’re invited to take part in a survey from La Trobe University on sex and relationships in later life. To find out more or to complete the survey go to:
www.sexagemesurvey.org.au
If you would prefer to complete a paper version of the survey, please contact:
Dr Bianca Fileborn
Email: B.Fileborn@latrobe.edu.au
Ph: 03 9479 8766
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Hygienic Hand Washing
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Source: Queensland Department of Health
Germs are everywhere. We collect them, inhale them and share them. All day and every day.
The flu, e-coli, measles and numerous debilitating diseases spread quickly through contact with surfaces and people - and it’s our hands doing the dirty work. But a 20 second routine could help make us all healthier.
Watch a short video produced by Queensland Health which shows you the correct and most hygienic way to wash your hands.
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COTA appointed to expert taskforce to review SEQ transport fares
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Source: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad
A taskforce of public transport experts has been appointed by the Palaszczuk Government to conduct a comprehensive review of TransLink’s fare structure in South East Queensland.
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the announcement delivers on Labor’s commitment to review the public transport fare system to improve affordability and boost patronage.
“The Fare Review will form the basis of a new fare strategy in South East Queensland to increase the rate of public transport patronage while also ensuring a sustainable fare revenue stream to allow the network to grow,” Ms Trad said.
“Despite promising a fare review, public transport patronage in South East Queensland declined under the former LNP Government - with two million fewer public transport trips.
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COTA Welcomes new staff members
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Last month we welcomed four new staff members:
Bronwyn Bidstrup, Coordinator Aged Care Reforms
Kerryn Clarke, Community Education Coordinator
Angela Jarratt, Coordinator NDIS/ Seniors
Kara Jeffrey, Office Coordinator/ Executive Support
We recently farewelled Sarah Baker Program Coordinator Aged Care Reforms and Business Development Manager David Edwards. We take this opportunity to thank them both for their contribution to our work.
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Nominations for COTA Queensland Board
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Nominations are invited from Full Members wishing to offer themselves for election to the COTA Queensland Board for a three year term, commencing from the 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 November 2015 until the 2018 AGM.
The terms of current directors Warren Males and Margaret Sugden will expire at the 2015 AGM but are eligible for re-election and have indicated that they will be seeking re-election for the two vacant positions.
Nominees must be current Full Members of COTA Queensland and must be nominated by another current Full Member. Nominations must be on the official nomination form and submitted to Mark Tucker-Evans at mte@cotaqld.org.au orby post to PO Box 15525, City East, QLD 4002
Nominations must include brief biographical details, a recent photograph and a statement of reasons for nomination. This information will be circulated to voting members. Nominees must also complete declaration forms in respect to COTA Queensland Directors’ Liability Insurance.
Nominations must be received no later than 4:00pm on Friday 16 October 2015.
If more nominations are received than the two vacancies, a postal ballot will take place. Voting will close on Friday 13 November 2015.
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Support Our Work and Get Involved
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Our aim is to help create a more just, equitable and caring community in which older people are actively involved and have access to appropriate support, services and care. You can help us to continue to fight for an Age-friendly Queensland by:
• Leaving a bequest in your Will to COTA Queensland
• Donating today through PayPal or by shopping online with Shopnate
•Joining as an individual member and receiving a wide range of benefits through the COTA Rewards and Savings program
•Joining as an organisational member and contribute to our information exchange, policy development and service development
•Joining over 500 Queenslanders in our Consumer Reference Network to enable you to contribute your knowledge and experiences to the development of our submissions in response to those issues impacting on people age they age in Queensland
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