REDLANDS’ ageing community will be eagerly awaiting results of a survey that will help create an Age-Friendly City Strategy.
The survey conducted by Redland District Committee on the Ageing on behalf of council is being analysed to understand the experience of elderly people in the Redlands.
About 100 people took part in answering questions to help identify issues that prevent older people from taking part in all aspects of community life, including outdoor spaces and buildings, social inclusion and housing.
Redland City mayor Karen Williams said the area continued to attract seniors looking for a relaxed lifestyle.
“It is important that people of all ages are valued, respected and can actively participate in the community – and our seniors are no exception,” she said.
“Long acknowledged for their enormous contribution as volunteers, seniors are also great economic and social assets to our community and we are keen to harness their experiences, skills, needs and wisdom.”
Victoria Point resident Karen Griffith said she was happy to complete the survey.
“As a resident of 35 years, I think it’s important to find out people’s feelings and concerns and see us move forward together as a community,” she said.
“As we get older, we need to consider infrastructure and how we get around.”
RDCOTA president Robyn Robinson said another key issue was transportation.
“Without taking away the voices of those who completed the survey, I believe from a perspective of older people, relying on public transport is almost impossible to get to places,” she said.
“Things to consider is the accessibility, cost and route.”
Ms Robinson said it was not until the age-friendly community grants program was rolled out that RDCOTA and council could start making real change.
“We have been working council for three or four years to discuss how to move program forward significantly step,” she said,
“The objective of the community strategy is to have a city and community that is accessible and inclusive.
“This survey isn’t going to be the magic bullet but it will help.”
The strategy is expected to be finalised in mid-2019.
