In an effort to control recent COVID-19 outbreaks, the Victorian Government has reintroduced Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. These restrictions will be in place for at least six weeks from 11.59 pm on 8 July. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. What areas are affected? The […]
Older people have been keen to share their experiences and views on the COVID-19 pandemic, responding enthusiastically to COTA Victoria’s survey Coronavirus – checking in on the older person’s experience. We’ve received more than 500 responses in just three weeks. So that as many older people as possible can have their say, we’ve decided to
COVID-19 restrictions are having a huge impact on volunteering in Victoria. Many of those who usually volunteer regularly are now unable to do so, while others are volunteering for the first time to assist vulnerable community members during COVID-19 restrictions. If you’re currently volunteering, or waiting to return to your role, you need to understand
MEDIA RELEASE | 8 July 2020 Older Victorians must be highest priority during renewed restrictions All Victorians are being urged to look out for their older friends and relatives during this new period of restrictions to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. The Victorian Government has announced stay-at-home restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire from 11.59
Last update: 8 July 2020 Over the past few months, the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically affected the lives of older people. After moving towards relaxing restrictions, metropolitan Melbourne finds it is once again restricted, while other areas across the state relax lockdown measures. We know we have a long way to go – and that
According to Fitness Australia, 80% of gym-goers are keen to hit the gym once they re-open on 22 June. Those who weren’t keen, however, were all aged over 40. This isn’t surprising: we know that COVID-19 is a bigger risk for older people, particularly those with underlying health conditions. The paradox is that appropriately prescribed
On 20 May 2020, COTA Victoria was called to give evidence before a Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into the state’s response to COVID-19. It was an opportunity to consider what the Government had done well in managing the virus and what could have been done better. During our appearance before the Committee, we spoke at length
Australian banks have announced that they will issue debit cards to customers who don’t have them and who may be self-isolating. This will allow people to continue to pay for their goods and services online and over the phone throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, some customers have passbook accounts or transaction accounts with no linked
With new restrictions on face-to-face communication due to COVID-19, the phone has become an increasingly important way of staying in contact with older Australians. While most of our communication is online, COTA Victoria has also been working hard to make sure that all of our members are kept in loop – including those who don’t
A new telephone hotline is giving older Australians a one-stop source of information for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines related to COVID-19. The COVID-19 hotline (1800 171 866) will help older Australians get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic. COTA Australia, National Seniors Australia, Older Persons Advocacy
The experiences of older tenants in the private housing market during the COVID-19 pandemic are the focus of a survey by the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG). The survey targets older tenants in private rental accommodation as well as people living in retirement housing; staying with friends and family; or living in caravan
COVID-19 has challenged all of us to get or stay active. Despite all the restrictions in place, the government is still encouraging us to go outside to exercise for both physical and mental health. While this has given some people a new reason to get active, for others the stress of COVID-19 has sapped the
