Social Isolation Amongst Older People in the ACT
Valuing and Including Our Seniors

Public Consultation

Older people in the ACT
The 2006 Census showed that approximately 27 per cent of the ACT population was aged 50 years or older, with 14 per cent being over 60 years. It is expected that by 2031, people over 60 will make up 27 per cent of the population.

Australian research indicates that at least 10% of people over 65 years are likely to be socially isolated, with a further 12% at risk.

Social isolation impacts on people in a number of ways, such as on their ability to contribute to their community and their mental and physical health and emotional well-being.

Priority 3 of the ACT Government’s Building Our Community – The Canberra Social Plan, relates to the importance of a strong, safe and cohesive community, including the need to meet the diverse needs of our ageing community, the building and support of community participation, and the reduction of the risks of social exclusion.

What this research is about?
The Government recognises that the demographic shift being experienced in the ACT will require an increased focus around how older people can stay connected with, and continue to participate in and contribute to, their communities. This is important not only for individuals but for the wellbeing of our community, for example, in relation to employment and volunteering.
 
The ACT Office for Ageing has recently contracted Cultural and Indigenous Research Centre Australia (CIRCA) to undertake research on comparative social isolation amongst older people in the ACT. They will be looking at the general population of older people and also specifically at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women over 50 years, and men and women over 60 years from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

How will the community be involved?
As part of this research CIRCA is undertaking a public consultation on this important issue. You are invited to contribute your experiences, observations and ideas – as an individual or as a representative of an organisation – by filling in the short questionnaire at:
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/wac/ageing/social isolation questionnaire

Alternatively, you can send an email to communitypolicy@act.gov.au phone the ACT Office for Ageing on 6205 3113, or write to:

Social Isolation Research Project
ACT Office for Ageing
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601

The consultants will also be conducting a number of interviews and are very keen to speak to older people who are personally experiencing social isolation. If you are interesting in participating in an interview, or know of somebody who may be interested, please contact the ACT Office for Ageing on 6205 3113.

All information received through this consultation will be treated confidentially and responses will be de-identified in the project report.

The consultation period for this project will end on 12 September 2008.