Health, staying in their own home, and managing cost-of-living are the top priorities for the almost 900,000 Seniors in Queensland, according to a state-wide survey.
Older Queenslanders are “tech-savvy”, value relationships in person and online, and are the backbone of the state’s volunteers, findings show.
Seniors Minister Craig Crawford MP today launched a new online seniors survey to help develop a new senior’s strategy for Queensland.
“How we age is changing across Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.
“People are living longer, are healthier and more active than ever, and we see this across the state.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that by 2050, more than one in five Queenslanders will be 65 years or older. That’s nearly a quarter of our population (22.1 per cent) or 1.8 million people.
Minister Crawford today hosted the first 2022 Seniors Expo at Redlands in Brisbane and revealed some of the survey findings from last year’s Seniors Expos.
“We know cost-of-living, and stretching out the savings and pension to last, is a big one for older Queenslanders,” he said.
“Seniors can save thousands of dollars a year and ease cost-of-living pressures if they access the concessions and rebates on offer by the Palaszczuk Government.
“That includes electricity, utility bills, rates and health-related concessions.
“At today’s Expo in Redlands, there was a huge number of seniors who did not know they were eligible and are not accessing these entitlements.
“We want seniors to get their discounts, not everything comes automatically with age, they have to register and apply for them.”
He said the new online survey announced today would give a greater voice to older people and allow them to share more about what’s important to them as they age.
“Older people are important to Queensland’s future and who better to inform us about their experiences and aspirations than seniors themselves”, Mr Crawford said.
“We want to hear from older Queenslanders, listen to their needs, heed their wisdom and experience, and hear their practical ideas, no matter where they live.
“It’s about continuing to build an inclusive state where Queensland seniors are valued, respected and actively engaged in their communities.”
