The concept of positive ageing is about making the most of the benefits of being old and keeping a good attitude about life. It is about keeping a positive growth mindset throughout older age just like any other phase of life, regardless of challenges or opportunities.
Having a positive attitude during times of loss or change can help to make those life experiences easier and make life generally more satisfying. According to the Office for Seniors, positive ageing covers the full spectrum of experiences including health, independence, financial security, self-fulfilment, personal safety, and living environments.
Positive ageing can be influenced by attitudes and qualities. Some examples of good key attitudes to keep a positive mindset while ageing include:
- Being adaptable and embracing change
- Having a sense of humour
- Being determined
- Staying optimistic
- Wanting to maintain social relationships
- Learning to live with limitations
- Being aware of the need to make the most of what you have
- A desire to live a quality life
As you get older, you will experience lots of changes that may be challenging to accept. You may have difficulties with transitioning out of work, requiring new living arrangements, changes in your social networks, bereavements, and health and ability changes. Being adaptable and embracing these changes will help you take advantage of what you can do rather than focusing on the negative aspects.
Elder abuse has been defined by the World Health Organisation as 'a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person'.
Elder abuse can take various forms, including: financial, physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse, or neglect. No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse
It is estimated that 1 in 10 older people will experience elder abuse. It can be carried out by someone known to the older person, like family members, friend, professional, or paid caregiver.
Elder Abuse is wrong and there are things that can be done to stop it. Please see a list of services available if you are concerned about yourself or someone else
If someone is in immediate danger call 000.
Senior Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821
Free information, advocacy and legal advice for older people or service providers
Elder Rights Advocacy: 1800 600 700
Free advice and support for older people accessing residential care or a home care package
1800ELDERHELP: 1800 353 374
Free advice line for people experiencing elder abuse or services needing advice
CALD- In Touch: 1800 755 988
Family violence support service
Carers play an important role in our community providing much needed assistance and emotional support to the people they care for.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or age-related condition. Carers can be found across a wide range of ages with some carers aged under 10 and others are in their 90’s. Carers come from all walks of life; they can be family members, friends or neighbours.
The following are links to resources that may be helpful for carers (note: the organisations below are not necessarily endorsed or affiliated with Council).
- Carer Gateway – practical advice and resources for carers
- Carers Victoria - the state-wide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria. Their website includes details of local carer support groups, resources and events. Carers Victoria also has a statewide advisory line to assist carers with navigating the resources and supports available
- Young Carers Network - a place for young carers to learn about support services, access resources and share their story and opinions.
- Satellite Foundation - for children and young people where a parent has a mental illness or mental health challenge
- Tandem - peak body representing family and friends of people living with mental illness
- Dementia Support Australia - nationwide service whose role is to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.
- My Aged Care – resources for people caring for an older person
- Disability Gateway - information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers
- Palliative Care Australia - resources and access to support for people carer for someone at end of life
- CALD Carers – Carers Australia has links to supports for culturally and linguistically diverse carers takes you to FECCA
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers – contact Carers Victoria for direction to localised supports
- Carers Week – has information on events, resources for carers and people who interact with carers
- Carer Card – state-wide discounts and benefits with participating businesses
There are 9 Senior Citizen Clubs within our area that provide social activities and other opportunities for older residents. The clubs promote wellbeing, a better lifestyle and a positive approach to ageing.
The programs are co-ordinated by committees and can vary between centres. Club membership is open to residents 55 years and over. Council provides maintenance of centres and support to seniors’ clubs.
These clubs:
- Represent some of our cultural groups and languages
- Provide social activities such as games, craft, music, dance, food and outings
- Provide genuine community and social engagement
Join a club today and make new friends and begin a new social connection to continue enjoying life together.
For further information regarding a club contact the club using the provided phone numbers from the flyer or contact the Positive Ageing Facilitator on 03 5018 8234.