- Minister for Suburban Development
The Andrews Labor Government is helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation among senior Victorians through a forum hosted by key advisory group, the Eastern Metropolitan Partnership.
Minister for Suburban Development Marlene Kairouz said the event at Doncaster today would help to improve the health and well-being of Victorians by investigating strategies to improve social inclusion in our communities.
About 90 service providers and practitioners in the aged care sector will attend the gathering.
Research shows that socially isolated people are more likely to experience depression, paranoia and anxiety, are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease and are more likely to have reduced immune responses.
The Eastern Metropolitan Partnership has included social inclusion as a key priority in its annual advice to government and is hosting this conversation as part of work to tackle loneliness and isolation in the region.
The Labor Government’s Metropolitan Partnerships provide the community with a direct line to decision-makers in government and gives individuals the opportunity to inform priorities on jobs, services, infrastructure and social issues in their region.
Melbourne’s Eastern region has the fastest growing ageing population in Melbourne and the largest regional population of people over the age of 85.
The Eastern Metropolitan Partnership comprises members from business, community and local government bodies and will use insights gathered today to make recommendations in its annual independent advice to government.
As noted by Minister for Suburban Development Marlene Kairouz
“Loneliness and social isolation are common themes emerging from the Partnership work and it’s important that everyone, regardless of age or situation, can feel part of their community.”
As noted by Eastern Metropolitan Partnership chair Robin Whyte
“This is such an important issue for Melbourne’s east – we encourage members of our community to submit their ideas for tackling loneliness in older people via our page on the Engage Victoria website.”
