INTRODUCTION

Background

Age-friendly communities are those that encourage “active ageing by optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age” (World Health Organisation). An Age Friendly Community is one which:

• Recognises the great diversity among older people;
• Promotes their inclusion and contribution in all areas of community life;
• Respects their decisions and lifestyle choices; and
• Anticipates and responds to ageing-related needs and preference.

The Shire of Goomalling considers age-friendly community planning vital to undertake for the following reasons:

• By 2027, Wheatbelt population over 70 will have increased by 75.3%
• The proportion of people 70+ will have increased from 10.4% in 2011 to 17% in 2027

In addition to this, older adults generally prefer to remain in their own home and continue to be part of their community. Older adults feel safe, valued and respected in their own community and local governments have a key role in ensuring this can occur.

Figure 1: Projected age profiles for the Shire of Goomalling from 2011 to 20265.

Shire of Goomalling

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