About healthy ageing
Council aims to ensure that older residents can be as independent and active as possible while participating fully in their local community.
We have a Positive Ageing Plan, and are a member of the World Health Organisation's Global Network for Age-friendly Communities.
We are dedicated to ensuring our community is supportive and inclusive of everyone as they age. To do this, we:
- coordinate healthy ageing programs and activities
- support Senior Citizens, U3As and other groups and coordinate Council’s Seniors Festival program
- work within Council and the community to advocate for older residents, and facilitate feedback to Council about what is important to older people
- offer opportunities for volunteers to contribute to the wellbeing, independence and community participation of older people living in the shire
- offer a range of services to assist residents who need support to continue living in their own homes.
What is an age-friendly community?
“Age-friendly is everybody friendly” as defined by a local Macedon Ranges resident. In an age-friendly community, active ageing involves inclusive participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just physical activity (World Health Organisation).
Age-friendly communities encourage active and positive ageing; they recognise the great diversity of our older population, promote inclusion of older people and respect their decisions and lifestyle choices. They enhance quality of life for people as they age, and benefit the whole community.
Find out more about the World Health Organisation’s Age-friendly Communities Program.
How will we do this?
PARTICIPATE, Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing Plan 2020 – 2025 was developed in consultation with our community. You told us that an age-friendly community is one where older people can move around easily and safely and access services and activities needed to live active, healthy, valued, connected and independent lives within a strong and supportive community.
The plan focuses on the four priority areas identified by older people:
- Staying socially connected and active,
- Living well in the community,
- Their needs are recognised in infrastructure, housing and the built environment, and
- They are respected and valued by the community.
Macedon Ranges Village Hub
Council has been awarded a grant to fund the implementation of a Village Hub in the Macedon Ranges.
This exciting project will focus on bringing older people together online and in their community for activities that support good mental and physical health and better connections to the local community.
Over 55s Connect
Stay up-to-date with the latest news about events and opportunities around the shire for over 55s.
Community Group Welcome Checklist
The checklist(PDF, 1MB) has been designed for community groups and clubs, and is a resource that can help them work towards being more welcoming and inclusive of older people in the community. The checklist includes a list of ‘tips on how to be inclusive’ and a list of ‘things to include in your welcome pack’.