Seniors

Information, support and services for older people
An age-friendly Queensland
Elder abuse awareness and prevention
Older Volunteers in Queensland
Grandparents Day
Resources for service providers

Eight domains assessment checklist

(based on information contained in Age-friendly Communities: A Western Australian Approach, the Age-friendly Neighbourhoods Guidelines and Toolkit for Local Government and the World Health Organisation Strategy, Towards an age-friendly world).

Consider the following questions in relation to your community and start thinking about how you can provide different or better services for older people.

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Outdoor spaces and buildings

Consider — The environment can make a massive difference to the quality of life of an ageing population:

Does the environment feel safe?
What is it like for older people to go into buildings such as government buildings or shops?
Are outdoor spaces easily accessible?
Are footpaths easy to walk on and wide enough for mobility scooters?
Are multigenerational activities available?
Do you offer outdoor seating with armrests and backs?
What is it like for older people in your community to go outside of their home for a walk, to get some fresh air, run errands or visit family or friends?

Transport

Consider — Access to transport plays a significant role in keeping older people independent:

Are there enough transport options to ensure older people can safely get to and from your organisation, or your events and other activities?
What is the public transport system like for older people?
What is it like for older people to drive in your community?
What is it like for older people to access your products or services?
What is it like for older people with limited sight, hearing, and/or mobility to use your products?
Have you tested your services and products with older people?

Housing

Consider — Most older people want to grow older in their own homes:

What kind of housing is available for older people living in in your community?
If older people's needs change, what choices do they have for housing in their local area?
Can your organisation affect housing choice?
What options are there for multigenerational living in your community?
Does your organisation offer services that support older people staying in their own homes longer?

Social participation

Consider — Social isolation is more damaging to the health of older people than smoking:

Do you host events and/or community activities that consider and support the needs of older people?
Do you offer seniors discounts or other incentives for older people and concession card holders?
Do you offer opportunities for people of different ages, cultures and interests to socially interact?

Respect and social inclusion

Consider — People aged 50 years and over report feeling 'invisible':

How do you depict ageing in your organisation? Think about your promotional material and other resources.
Are the people in your organisation who are responsible for providing information and services to older people helpful, courteous and trained to understand the needs of older people?
In what ways do your employees show understanding of older people's needs?
In what ways are older people included or not included in activities and events in your community?
How easily can older people socialise in your community?
Are there any intergenerational events or activities in your community?

Civic participation and employment

Consider — Older workers are considered by some employers to be those aged 45 years and over:

Do you employ (or wish to employ) older people in paid employment or as volunteers?
Are older people invited and encouraged to participate in boards, committees, advisory groups, and/or other governance structures in your organisation?
How would you rate the participation of older people in other activities, such as education, culture, recreation, or spiritual activities in your community?
Do your recruitment procedures: advertise in a range of sites and publications to attract a mixed age response; focus on skills and experience, not age; include people of different ages on the selection panel; ensure interviewers recognise the value of age diversity?
Are older employees/volunteers able to access transportation to support their employment?
Are older people involved in decision making processes that affect them?
Do you offer education, training, support and recognition for older employees/volunteers?
Does your organisation offer a mentor program where older workers are encouraged to pass on their knowledge and expertise to less experienced workers/volunteers?

Communication and information

Consider — Is this easy to read?

How well do older people get the information they need in your community, for example, about services or events? This can be information by telephone, radio, TV, email, social media, in print or in person.
Does your organisation have large, clear signage for directions and other information?
Is the information about your programs, products and/or services (such as your website, brochures) age-friendly? For example, are larger-sized font, easy to access or audio options available?
Do your communication materials represent older people in an authentic way?

Community support and health services

Consider — Ageism means older people are often seen as a burden or 'bed blockers' in the health system:

Are there specific health and community support services available to help older people in the community?
Are health services providing services that are equitable for older people? For example, vaccination programs or exercise programs for older people.
Do you offer an outreach service to older people who are at risk of isolation?

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