Age Well is a positive ageing program that connects older people in the Huon Valley with local groups and activities. The program aims to alleviate social isolation and loneliness experienced by older residents in the valley through increasing connection opportunities.
In Australia social isolation is recognised as a significant public health and wellbeing issue. According to a growing body of research loneliness can be harmful to both mental and physical health.
Social isolation and loneliness is a prevalent issue throughout the Huon Valley due to a whole range of reasons such as rising cost of living pressures, chronic health conditions, literacy challenges (including health and digital literacy), and housing insecurity. This combined with the population being spread over a large geographical and rural area, migration of new populations, and an aging population (over 37% over 55) is resulting in older people being unaware of existing programs and activities. The Age Well program is the result of a targeted government and community support program to address this issue locally.
We know that connecting with others and getting involved in local activities can help overcome loneliness and promote wellbeing. That is why the Age Well program brings older people living in the Huon Valley together to support good mental and physical health. Through our dedicated Age Well Link Worker individuals and groups can develop networks with each other that will increasing the opportunity to link in with more isolated older people, increase inclusion in programs and activities, reduce isolation and loneliness and help to build resilience.
The Age Well program is funded by the Australian Government, Department of Social Services (DSS), through the Village Hubs Grants Fund. Twelve communities across Australia have been awarded funding to establish a new village hub. The Age Well program is the first funded village hub program in Tasmania. It is managed by Huon Valley Council and works closely with local partners who offer social activities for older people. Each hub is community-led and provides innovative opportunities for older people to improve their mental and physical health through the benefits of increased community connections.
The Council is developing its Village Hub model in consultation with the Huon Valley Positive Ageing Working group and our Age Well partners.
Whether you’re in Grove or in Lune River, an Age Well Link Worker will meet you to understand your interests and needs. Family, friends and service providers are encouraged to refer people to the program.
If you’d like to know more, please call us on (03) 6264 0300 or email agewell@huonvalley.tas.gov.au or visit us at the Huon Valley Hub, 23 Main Street, Huonville.
Age Well is a Huon Valley Council initiative with support from Australian Government Department of Social Services, and Independent Living Assessment.
AGE WELL PARTNERS
Thanks to the following local groups who have committed to providing welcoming programs and spaces for older community members.
Ge-Co (Geeveston Community Centre)
Dover & Far South Action Group
The South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC)
Pop into the Huon Valley Hub or give us a call to learn more.
CUPPA CONVERSATIONS
Every Tuesday from 10am-12pm the Huon Valley hub doors are open for Cuppa Conversations.
Come along for a chat, a cuppa and some morning tea!
Some weeks we will invite a guest to speak or organisation to join us – check in with the team to find out who is visiting next!
For more information, please go to: Cuppa Conversation – Huon Valley Council
TECH HOUR
Would you like to be more confident using a computer, smartphone or tablet?
Book in for a FREE 1 hour appointment at the Huon Valley Hub and receive one-on-one coaching to build your basic digital skills!
Every Wednesday (during school terms) – 10am to 1pm by appointment only.
For more information, please go to: Tech Hour 2023 – Huon Valley Council
YOGA WITH CLAIRE - IN A CHAIR!
Chair yoga is a great way for adults of all levels of ability to safely enjoy yoga and its wonderful health benefits.
Cost: $5 per session.
Every Thursday during school terms.
11.30am to 12.30pm at the Huon Valley Hub.
For more information, please go to: Yoga with Claire in a chair – Huon Valley Council
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS
Be creative, have fun and meet new people!
These FREE weekly art sessions will give you the opportunity to play with different techniques and materials while making social connections.
Hosted by community based artist Sheree Martin.
Every Thursday – 1pm-2:30pm at the Huon Valley Hub.
For more information, please go to: Creative Connections – Huon Valley Council
SENIORS WEEK
POSITIVE AGEING RESOURCES
Department of Health Tasmania
Information and services for older Tasmanians.
COTA Tasmania (Council on the Ageing)
The voice of older Tasmanians for over 50 years with lots of information about services and programs for older Tasmanians.
Phone: (03) 6231 3265
Email: admin@cotatas.org.au
www.cotatas.org.au
Pensioners Association of Tasmania
A local community-based organisation that helps pensioners overcome isolation through get-togethers, day-trips, coach journeys, mystery adventures, shopping trips and much more.
Phone: (03) 6297 1522
Mobile: 0428 565 002
Email: pensionersassociation.tas@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Pensioners-Association-Tasmania
My Aged Care
If you need some help around the house or think it’s time to look into aged care homes, My Aged Care can help.
You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 (Freecall).
TASMANIA'S ACTIVE AGEING PLAN
Today people are living longer than previous generations. We are all ageing. Almost 180 000 Tasmanians (30.5%) of the population are expected to be over 65 years by 2060, so it’s important that all Tasmanians, young and older have input into the Strategy.
The Tasmanian Government’s vision is to build an age-friendly state in which all Tasmanians regardless of their age, can stay active, healthy, resilient and connected to their community and the economy.
To realise this vision, Tasmanians are being asked for their opinion to help shape ageing in Tasmania and develop a new robust 2023-29 Tasmanian Active Ageing Strategy.
The state-wide consultations for a new Active Ageing Strategy are being organised by the Council on the Ageing Tasmania (COTA Tasmania) with support from and collaboration with the Tasmanian Government.
For more information about how you can have a say please visit the COTA website or call 6231 3265 or email brigidw@cotatas.org.au
Strong, liveable communities: Tasmania’s Active Ageing Plan 2017-2022 (the Active Ageing Plan) is the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to support people to maintain their health, increase their participation, continue to learn, and feel secure as they age. It is a comprehensive plan, informed by the voices of older Tasmanians, to support individuals to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing, education, participation, and security.
Tasmania’s Active Ageing Plan 2017-2022 (the Active Ageing Plan) (PDF, 3.61MB)
