What would make 2026 a happy new year for you? The COTA SA team has spent the first weeks of the year reflecting on this question and thinking ahead to set our goals, priorities and action plans for 2026.
A major focus for our policy and advocacy work is the very important milestone ahead for South Australia with a state election just around the corner. In the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing our election platform, sharing publicly the policy recommendations we have made to Government and Opposition over recent months, drawing on extensive stories, insights and information gathered directly from older South Australians across the state.
Late last year, we released our new Voices of Older South Australians: Evidence and insights into the state of ageing in South Australia, which reflects the perspectives of thousands of people aged 50+ across metropolitan and regional SA and provides a valuable picture of the lived experience of ageing in our state. I want to thank those of you who have shared your ideas, experiences and views with us. Your insights into what matters most to you have directly shaped the priorities we’re taking forward.
We are delighted to see an early election commitment from Labor to expand the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS), a reform that COTA SA has been advocating for. We know that this will make a real difference to regional South Australians – including those living in our oldest demographic region of Victor Harbor and Goolwa, many of whom will finally qualify for mileage reimbursements.
We are hopeful that this announcement will be followed by other commitments to improving everyday life for older South Australians, and particularly those addressing the major concerns of cost-of-living, and access to health services.
Whether it’s an election year or not, COTA SA is always keen to strengthen our understanding of what matters most to older South Australians. One way you can help us keep our finger on the pulse is to complete our How Are You Going? survey. Taking a few minutes to do this anonymous survey every now and then gives us an incredible window onto the wellbeing and experiences of older South Australians across the state. Whether you’re doing it for the first time or updating a previous response, your feedback helps ensure our work remains focused on the issues that are most important—and how those priorities evolve over time.
And if you’re planning to make 2026 a better year for your own journey to age well, we would love to help.
If 2026 feels like the right time for you to find new purpose in your week, we’re looking for friendly volunteers to join our COTA Visitors program and help bring companionship to older South Australians who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
If your focus this year is on improving your health and wellbeing, you might like to join a Strength for Life class near you. It’s a great way to stay active, build strength and confidence, and connect with others. Our new website will inspire you with stories from people like you who have become stronger and fitter and help you find a provider near you.
If it’s time to think about aged care services for yourself or someone you care for and you’re feeling overwhelmed, then reach out to our Let’s Talk Aged Care team for free, trusted, independent advice. We’ll help point you in the right direction or you may be eligible for our Care Finder navigation service if your situation is more complex.
Even if you’re not sure exactly what would make a difference to you, if you think we can assist in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 8232 0422. Our team of friendly staff and volunteers on reception are wonderfully skilled at listening, understanding and identifying what you may be looking for and where to find it. We are here to work alongside older South Australians and always value hearing from you.
Thank you for being part of the COTA SA community. We wish you all the best for living well and ageing well in 2026.
Miranda Starke
Chief Executive