INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS 2017

On International Day of Older Persons, Labor recognises the valuable role older people play in making Australia a great place to live.

 

The theme for 2017 is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society” and focuses on enabling and expanding the contributions of older people.

 

By the 2050s more than one in every four Australians will be aged over 65, so a focus on an age-friendly Australia will only become more important.

 

Labor believes that longer lives are one of our country’s greatest achievements, but we also know the challenges are significant.

 

While Australians are living longer, there is a concerning trend that Australians may not be living well.

 

The ability of our ageing population to participate, contribute and thrive in Australia is largely dependent on our health.

 

Access to high quality care and support when and where older people need it is critical to making longer lives, also better lives.

 

Over the last few months, Labor has held public forums right around the country with a focus on positive ageing.

 

We hold these forums to listen to older Australians about how we can deliver a positive ageing agenda that will better reflect the needs of our population into the future. 

 

Longevity and the opportunities and challenges that it brings will define modern Australia and Labor stands ready for the challenge.