A report by a coalition of nine leading community agencies, “A Home for Life: Towards an Older Person’s Housing strategy” calls on government to partner with community organisations and adopt recommendations to address the long term housing needs for older people.
Neither the Victorian nor Australian Government has a strategy in place to address the housing needs of its older population despite some concerning facts:
- Secure housing is the number one indicator of wellbeing for older Australians
- Rate of home ownership amongst older Australians decreased to 60.5% (2011) from 63.8% in 2006
- 44% increase in older Australians in private rental, paying 65% of their income to rent
- Number of homeless older Australians has increased by 20% between 2006 and 2011
Coalition members are: Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), Council of the Aged (COTA), Fair Go for Pensioners, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Wintringham, Seniors Rights Vic, Carers Victoria and the Australian Universal Housing Design Network will also be sharing their expert views on what must be done to ensure our older Australians and future generations can age comfortably with dignity and joy.
For further information contact: Fiona York, Manager, Housing for the Aged Action Group 03 9654 7389 fiona.york@oldertenants.org.au
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."