The primary focus of the ACT Office for Ageing is on promoting positive ageing.  Positive ageing is based on the idea that individuals have opportunities and are able to make choices that maximise their independence and control over their lives as they grow older.

 

Promotion of positive ageing is an important part of the ACT Government’s response to the opportunities and challenges posed by our ageing population.

 

It also has potentially significant benefits by reducing demands on the health care system and other social services. 

 

 

The ACT Strategic Plan for Positive Ageing 2010-2014: Towards an Age-Friendly City was launched by Joy Burch MLA, on 15 December 2009.

 

The Plan was developed in partnership with the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing with extensive community input.

More information is available on the Strategic Plan webpage.

 

Some of Labor's achievements during 2009-2010 include:

 

• In partnership with the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing, the Government has developed the ACT Strategic Plan for Positive Ageing 2010-2014, to support healthy and meaningful ageing, decrease social isolation and help people adapt to retirement.
• As a response to the Strategic Plan, a new Seniors Information Online service has been launched to provide seniors with access to information about retirement planning, support services, community groups and health issues.
• The ACT Government is currently trialling a Virtual Retirement Village. The trial will focus on providing access to seniors specific information and social activities as well as home shopping services and accredited tradespersons.
• Canberra has recently become a member of the World Heath Organisations ‘Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities’. Membership reinforces the Governments commitment to creating a better environment for its older citizens.
• $1.5m has been appropriated for the construction of a new facility for the use of older residents in the Tuggeranong Region.         
• In May 2010, Ms Mary Porter MLA, Member for Ginninderra, tabled the Exposure Draft Retirement Village Bill 2010. The Exposure Draft was developed in the wake of a discussion paper issued in late 2008, which was produced after extensive research into legislation in other jurisdictions and consultation with residents, would-be residents, the industry and peak bodies.