In 2016, 42 per cent of Benalla’s population was aged 55 and over, while 17 per cent were over 70.
Official projections estimate by 2036 44 per cent of Benalla’s population will be over 60, with 29 per cent over 70.
This makes Benalla one of the top-10 Victorian Local Government Areas for older people with significantly greater numbers than the projected national average.
Benalla’s Aged Friendly Committee began in 2017 as part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Age Friendly Victoria project.
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The project has been overseen by the Age Friendly Benalla steering committee, under the auspices of Benalla Rural City Council.
The majority of representatives are older members of the community from both urban and rural locations.
The committee currently has more than 25 active members linking in to a number of local groups such as the Benalla Men’s Shed and U3A Benalla.
Who have we consulted:
During the first stage of the Age Friendly project, 386 surveys were completed.
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Nearly 700 people participated in stage two from across Benalla Rural city, including 613 residents and 72 people who work with, and for, older people.
Consultation included a survey administered by trained community volunteers, postcard questionnaires, interviews, listening hubs and conversations.
The data collected from the consultation process was summarised into key focus areas and presented to a community forum attended by more than 100 people.
Achievements:
The Benalla Rural City Age Friendly Strategy 2020-2030 was developed and has been presented to, and adopted by, Benalla Rural City Council.
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The document will be launched in the near future.
Funding was provided for 12 community events across Benalla Rural City as part of the 2019 Senior’s Festival.
A number of active working groups have been formed, such as the Bridging Spaces program, Pop Up Cafe initiative and communications strategy.
Age Friendly Benalla recognised the need for dementia education within Benalla and provided support for the visit of Michael Verde, a recognised dementia specialist who recently conducted workshops at Cooinda and Estia Health.
He also facilitated the screening of Love is Listening, a documentary shown at the Swanpool cinema educating carers and family on support of people diagnosed with dementia.
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The other aspect of life in Benalla which Age Friendly Benalla is currently looking at is the social isolation caused by COVID-19.
While it has been suggested by good medical authorities that older people should have limited physical social interaction at this time, it is also important to remember there are several ways by which you can engage with your friends without leaving your home.
These include:
● phoning at least one friend a day and having a conversation;
● sending emails to those you haven’t heard from for a while; and
● using SKYPE, ZOOM or FaceTime for face-to-face communication using your computer.
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