Representing and responding to the changing and growing older population in regional and rural South Australia is a key focus for COTA SA.
In 2019 we hosted a series of listening posts which allowed us to reach out and connect with older people living in our regions. The generosity of people taking time to talk about their lives and experiences helped us develop a better understanding of the unique set of challenges that ageing in the country presents to many older South Australians.
Our Ageing in Country South Australia report includes a snapshot of country South Australia, what we're doing in the regions, the recurring themes which emerged from these discussions, and a look at the implications and next steps calling for a strategy for ageing in country South Australia.
Key themes
Several key recurring themes emerged from our Listening Post discussions:
- Loving where you live
- Volunteers and community spirit
- Cost of living
- Employment
- Mobility and transport
- Health
- Loneliness and isolation
- Aged care
- The digital divide.
Consultation in the regions
Between July and October 2019 we spoke with 400 people in community hubs, libraries and shopping centres across the following regions:
- Mallee
- Eyre Peninsula
- Riverland & Barossa
- Mid North
- Yorke Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
A full schedule and map can be found at the end of the report.