WA’s first-ever seniors’ strategy, ‘An Age-friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy 2023–2033’ has just been released by the WA Department of Communities. Following consultation with over 2,600 seniors across WA, the Strategy has been developed to support older people in WA to enhance their quality of life.
Older adults are a valued part of the WA community and given that it is projected that older adults will make up nearly one-fifth of our population by 2033, it is vital that we provide additional support to our older adults cohort.
Injury Matters congratulates the State Government on its commitment to working towards a vision where WA seniors are valued, safe, and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Reflecting the World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities Framework, the Strategy identifies four pillars for building a good life for seniors;
1. Thriving physically, mentally, and spiritually
2. Safe and age-friendly communities
3. Staying connected and engaged
4. Having views that are heard.
Alongside the Strategy, the State Government also released an Action Plan which outlines the blueprint for action over the next five years.
Given the high burden that falls has within our older adult population, Injury Matters welcomes the inclusion of actions regarding providing falls prevention programs for older adults, promoting initiatives that support older adults participation in physical activity and supporting local governments to become members of the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.