By ANEEKA SIMONIS
SENIORS make up a big slice of Cardinia Shire – a fact acknowledged by the council which is one of six across the state to become an Age Friendly City.
Mayor Jodie Owen celebrated the shire’s recent certification by the World Health Organisation in the company of Senior Citizen of the Year Peter Maloney and John Doutch from Council on the Ageing (COTA).
Council’s plan to create an environment that allows older persons to live safely, be healthy and connect with the community was adopted in September last year.
More than 15 per cent of Cardinia Shire’s population were over the age of 60, according to the most recent census.
Cr Owen said that number is set to skyrocket in the next 10 years, projected to increase to more than 34,000 residents over the age of 60.
“We want to ensure our residents, particularly as they age, to have access to a wide range of services, employment, spaces and activities in Cardinia Shire. The Age Friendly City recognition endorses the work we have been doing on this area,” she said.
“To achieve good health as we age, it is important that older people feel safe, secure and connected to their community and good health is the key to a good quality of life. We are proud that Cardinia Shire has been recognised as such a place.”
Council intend to connect with other global and communities involved in the program to share and exchange information about enhancing local liveability for seniors.
