Today we are pleased to launch COTA SA's new Strategic Plan: Making the ageing experience better, together.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed their ideas and feedback during its development. Your input reinforced that COTA SA's advocacy is valued, well-focused and making a real difference for older South Australians. It also challenged us to continue being a strong, independent voice, to tackle ageism, and to ensure older people are visible, heard and able to shape the decisions that affect their lives.
Our new strategic plan is built around three priorities:
- Trusted authority on ageing – strengthening our advocacy, policy, research, programs and services so that the lived experience of older South Australians drives better decisions.
- Age-inclusive South Australia – challenging ageism, promoting age inclusion, and building understanding and respect across the community.
- Strong and independent COTA SA – ensuring we remain financially sustainable, influential and well positioned to create lasting impact.
Across all our work, COTA SA’s focus is on older South Australians experiencing vulnerability, hardship or disadvantage, and raising their voices and concerns with decision-makers. We will be ensuring people navigating life transitions are not overlooked, including those between 50-65, while continuing to work to shift ageist attitudes and behaviours wherever they occur.
As South Australia continues to grow and evolve, we believe diversity must include age. We are committed to promoting an inclusive South Australia that celebrates diversity. While this is often viewed in terms of culture, religion or gender, age deserves recognition, too. At a time when generations are too often pitted against one another and ageist stereotypes create barriers for people of all ages, COTA SA will continue to champion intergenerational understanding and work towards a more age-inclusive state.
Now is the time for proactive planning about ageing well. The new South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well was launched earlier this year and as the peak body for older South Australians, COTA SA is ready to contribute.
We invite you to read the COTA SA Strategic Plan and continue working with us to make the ageing experience better, together.