Positive Ageing

Ageing well in our communities - a human right of everyone to create and support.

Positive Ageing

COTA is interested in the Age Friendly Cities and Environments work of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and in 2005 was in discussion with WHO to develop the Age Friendly indicators project. COTA in partnership with the Municipal Association (MAV) was successful in obtaining funds from the Office of Senior Victorians (OSV) to develop the Positive Ageing project – described below.

COTA is currently exploring ways to further develop and support organisations, older people and councils to continue the great work they have developed so far, as well as developing ways for those wishing to get involved in this work.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) – COTA Victorian Local Government Positive Ageing Project was a four-year initiative funded from 2005-2009 by the Office of Senior Victorians.

$1.4 million was provided to enable direct grants to Victorian councils to undertake Positive Ageing projects and to enable a facilitator to support the program.

Councils were encouraged to develop whole-of-council Positive Ageing Plans that included:

  • Researching and mapping existing local government ‘good practice’
  • Providing tools and resources to support the development of Positive Ageing Plans
  • Promoting relevant and good quality external tools and resources
  • Utilising MAV-COTA Positive Ageing Advisers as an information and advice resource
  • Running events such as seminars and forums.

Outcomes

In addition to the specific projects at local government level, a significant outcome of the project was the Positive Ageing Network comprising representatives (Positive Ageing Advisors) from local governments across Victoria. Although the project has been completed the network, coordinated through MAV, continues to meet quarterly.

About the Municipal Association of Victoria

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) provides leadership to councils by supporting them to achieve the highest levels of respect and recognition through improved performance. MAV is firmly committed to the continuous improvement of councils operation, performance and service delivery to communities.

For more information

For an evaluation of the project and more information about MAV and the Positive Ageing initiative visit  http://www.mav.asn.au/policy-services/social-community/ageing/positive-ageing/Pages/victorian-councils-positive-ageing-strategies.aspx or contact Jan Bruce at jbruce@mav.asn.au

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