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Global statistics 4 Australian statistics The Impact of an Ageing Population Lifestyle and Ageing Participation and Ageing
Our Vision Our Values
This report was prepared by Special thanks to Dr Keith Suter (Consultant, Social Policy), Tracy Carr (Aged Care R&D), David McGovern (Public Relations Manager), Lyndal Parker (Graphic Designer) and Steven Chapman (Production Co-ordinator), Rev Dr Les Underwood and Rev Helen Edgerton. |
From the Superintendent The issues of ageing are significant issues for all Australians. As our population ages, individuals, communities, businesses and governments will experience an impact of some kind. Wesley Mission Sydney is in a unique position to reveal the many faces of ageing. As a major provider of a diverse range of services to older persons, we accommodate over 1000 residents in our aged care facilities; over 1000 people per week in our School for Seniors activities; 350 people per month in home care and many more in our hospitals and accommodation for homeless people. This report has been produced in the International Year of Older Persons 1999, to highlight the many faces of ageing. We pay tribute to all older persons and have attempted to provide a balanced view of the experiences and issues facing older persons as we know them and minister to them. As Australia's largest Christian complex, Wesley Mission Sydney is a strategic city church with our origins in the first Methodist Church formed in Sydney in 1812. Originally established as the Central Methodist Mission, the organisation focused on social justice and evangelism for the poor and needy people of Sydney. Today, with a balanced ministry of Word and Deed, we remain advocates on behalf of older Australians who cannot speak up for themselves, or who do not like to make a fuss. We make a fuss for them. We make sure their point of view is heard by politicians and the mass media. In presenting "…the faces of Ageing", we celebrate the revolution in longevity which has occurred, and highlight the many ways in which older Australians are participating in healthy, active, meaningful lifestyles. However, our experience reveals that not all older people age comfortably or successfully. For so many, life is meaningless, lonely, sad, isolated and uncomfortable. Everyday, we meet older people who are unwanted, unloved and in despair. "…the faces of Ageing" was written to highlight their plight too. Older people see no reason to be denied the rewards of the society they helped to build. In our ageing years, the quality of life takes on added significance, and many people can maintain active lifestyles for 20 to 30 years after retirement. Wesley Mission Sydney is actively pursuing ways in which we can work with governments, private individuals and the corporate sector to ensure that wherever possible, old age is a period of life to be richly enjoyed, rather than merely endured. We are convinced that through such relationships, with a common understanding of the economic and social implications of ageing, we can work together in discovering new avenues to make ageing a positive experience for both individuals and communities. Our recommendations have been formulated on the basis of the experience we have and the work we do. Whilst we pro-actively minister to the needs of the current older generation, we are also committed to significant ongoing strategic planning which will enable the 'baby boomer' generation to find fulfillment and suitable lifestyles for their older age. I commend this report to you in the spirit of the International Year of Older Persons - to draw attention to the current situation, and to stimulate action for the future. Rev Dr Gordon Moyes AM |