More than one in five Victorians are 60 years or over. Our diverse older population is growing faster than any other age group and is set to increase by 60% by 2046.
This October for International Day for Older Persons and Ageism Awareness Day, we celebrate older Victorians’ incredibly valuable role in our communities and how we are being supported to age well in our state.
International Day for Older Persons
October 1 is International Day for Older Persons, a United Nations-designated awareness day for celebrating the contributions and experiences of older people across the world.
The day is a positive reminder that growing older is an achievement and ageing is cause for celebration, respect and pride.
Celebrating growing older
Lining up with the start of the Victorian Seniors Festival, this International Day for Older Persons is an ideal opportunity to explore new activities, connect with new people, and plan out how you’d like to celebrate this October.
Be part of the fun and visit the Victorian Seniors Festival calendar to find a free or low-cost event near you.
Supporting Victorians to age well
The Ageing Well Action Plan outlines the Victorian Government’s vision to age well as we participate in community, connect socially and live healthy, active and purposeful lives.
The whole-of-government action plan is driving action across four priority areas:
- Resilient connected seniors: supporting older people to have a sense of purpose through social, cultural, and intergenerational connections
- Tech savvy seniors: supporting older Victorians to take part in the digital world, and ensure those who can’t, do not experience discrimination and can access services via other means
- Valuing senior Victorians: reducing ageism and increasing visibility and appreciation of older people as valued and contributing Victorian citizens
- Health self-care: using healthcare advances driven by the pandemic to improve the health of older people and their ability to protect themselves.
Learn more about the priority areas and read the plan on the Ageing Well Action Plan webpage.
Ageism Awareness Day
This year, Ageism Awareness Day takes place on Wednesday 9 October 2024.
Ageism and age-based discrimination affects many Victorians, with assumptions or stereotypes about age impacting the health, wellbeing and confidence of people at every stage of life.
Challenging ageist language
The language we use, when talking about ourselves or others, can influence how we see, live and experience ageing.
Together, we can help to change the conversation around age.
The Framing Age Message provides tools and tips for talking about age, ageing and issues that affect older people in ways that reduce ageist attitudes and behaviours.
The guide was launched in 2021 by the Southern Melbourne Primary Care Partnership Elder Abuse Prevention Network, with the engagement of Common Cause Australia.
More information
For further advice on staying active as you age, including volunteering and community groups, explore the Seniors Online website.
Reviewed 30 September 2024