By Bridie Byrne
EASIER transport access, better housing designs and a new chance to pull on the work boots are slated in a Wyndham Ageing Well Strategy.
The strategy was adopted at last Monday’s council meeting to ensure the municipality was well equipped to deal with the issues of an ageing population.
In 2008, more than 17 per cent of the Wyndham community was aged 55 years or over, with this set to grow to 21 per cent by 2021.
“While Wyndham is often thought of as having a younger population, it is becoming increasingly popular with people over 60,” Mayor Shane Bourke said.
“This is due to a number of factors, including affordable housing and developments targeted at older people.
“Council needs to ensure that there are adequate services and facilities to assist in providing for Wyndham’s older population,” he said.
The strategy had five key strategic directions, including engagement, promotion, accessibility and understanding.
“Engagement” centred on the council working with local industry to increase opportunities for older people to gain employment and advocate for vocation skills programs.
It aimed to ensure that all council-owned recreational facilities offered programs suited for older people.
Under “promotion”, the council was to encourage investment from the private and public sectors in services including palliative and respite beds.
“Accessibility” anticipated scooter and wheelchair paths, improved shared pathway links and better information on transport options.
“Understanding” centred on starting forums and monitoring older people’s involvement in the community. Copies of the strategy will be available at the council’s civic centre at 45 Princes Highway in Werribee.
