Valuing older people

Premier's message

People aged over 65 make up the fastest growing age group in Queensland. The significant increases in longevity over the last century, as well as declining fertility rates, are steadily transforming the demographic profile of our State and challenging our perception of what it means to grow older.

Most Queenslanders live their senior years in good health and make significant contributions to the social and economic life of our State. Valuing older people in our community is crucial for today and also, as the population ages, for tomorrow.

Together we need to recognise the vital role older people play in our lives, workplaces, society, and economy. Older people are a diverse group influenced by their economic, cultural and social backgrounds, life experiences and personal beliefs.

In planning ahead, we need to challenge outdated stereotypes about people's capacity based on their age. At the same time, we need to ensure that vulnerable or frail older people are encouraged to remain independent and involved in their communities for as long as possible.

The Queensland Government is supporting older people to live longer and better, and to participate in and contribute to the future of the Smart State.

This edition of Premier's policy scan looks at issues which concern older people in 2004, and how we can continue to meet the needs of an ageing population now and in the future.



Peter Beattie
Premier and Minister for Trade

Valuing older people (word 846kb)
Valuing older people (pdf 468kb)

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