BY LAURA RUMBEL
Members of the Hunter Community got behind a new alliance to make the Hunter an age friendly community at a public forum held at Fort Scratchley on Thursday. The public forum was a joint exercise with the Hunter Ageing Alliance and Newcastle Council to give the older generation the opportunity to provide their input into a social planning strategy.
Affordable housing and housing options, opportunities for the elderly to feel more socially connected in the community, education, physical activity and how to access services when needed were some of the topics discussed during Thursdays event.
Representatives from the City of Unley in South Australia also joined the forum to share their experiences of creating an age friendly and connected community.
"The Hunter Ageing Alliance is very grateful to have been invited by the Council and we hope this is an exercise which will continue in the future," said Chair of the Hunter Ageing Alliance John Ward.
The City of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery are among some of the people getting behind the Alliance.
"There is not enough attention on meeting the needs of the growing number of local older people," said Chair of the Hunter Ageing Alliance John Ward.
"The number of older homeowners is declining and the number of older women becoming homeless is growing."
For anyone who would like to be involved in the Hunter Ageing Alliance can head over to their website at www.hunterageingalliance and join in on the strategies the alliance is currently undertaking.
