Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
Defusing the ageing ‘time bomb’ begins at home
One positive way for Australia to deal with the projected “ageing population time bomb” is by helping
older people to remain in their neighbourhood for as long as possible.
“All the research-based evidence shows that older people have a better quality of life, and are able to
give more back to the community if they are able to stay in the home and area of their choice,” said
The Benevolent Society’s Chief Executive, Richard Spencer.
Commenting on the findings of the Federal Government’s latest Intergenerational Report, Mr Spencer
said:
“Older people receive more care from friends and family when they are not forced to sell-up and/or
move elsewhere because of housing pressures, lack of services and outdated accommodation
facilities.
“Sadly, the trend is continuing to tilt towards enforced relocation to places outside the suburb or locale
they have lived in for a long time and are most happy in. In many cases, this occurs at the cost of the
wellbeing of the people concerned and the social fabric of the community.
“At the same time, such trends add to cost pressures on government and the community, and push
the boundaries of available care services and accommodation options.”
Mr Spencer said comprehensive research undertaken by the Society underscored two key pointers -
a preference for older people to maintain their independence in their own homes, and that the move
to a nursing home or hostel is not necessarily based on choice but because there is no other
alternative.
“Those two pointers alone provide a strong case for industry and all levels of government to be
actively looking at new ways of dealing with a real problem area of an ageing population,” he said.
“This is an issue that is confronting communities everywhere in Australia and one that society as a
whole has to face up to and do something about. Not in 20 years but now.”
The Intergenerational Report 2010 says the population of people aged 65 years and over will total 3
million this year, and is projected to more than double to 8.1 million people by 2050.
The Benevolent Society’s proposed Apartments for Life project is one solution for meeting the needs
of a growing population of people aged over 65. The apartments will provide age-friendly design, and
support and community links that would allow up to 95 per cent of residents stay in their home until
the end of life.
“It means older people stay in their local government area, close to family, friends and support
services, and live in housing that is appropriate to their needs,” Mr Spencer said.
“The reality is that there is already a lack of affordable housing in many local government areas that is
appropriate to the needs of older people, while at the same time the demand for more intensive
support for frail people in their 80s or so, continues to rise.
Media Release
2
February 2010
2
2
Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
“The Benevolent Society has looked at initiatives undertaken overseas, and believes the Apartments
for Life approach is a compelling alternative that can benefit the whole community.”
Media inquiries to Tracey Young at The Benevolent Society on 0449 901 753 or Graham Cassidy, Cato
Counsel, on 0419 202 317
The Benevolent Society
Established in 1813, The Benevolent Society is Australia’s first charity. Nearly two centuries after
we first started helping the destitute and homeless in colonial Sydney, our 700 staff and 600
volunteers continue to support more than 17,000 children and adults each year in metropolitan,
regional and rural New South Wales and in Queensland.
The Benevolent Society
works with
women, children, families, older people, people with a
disability and those who care for them, and people affected by adoption. We support vulnerable
and disadvantaged people across the lifespan to build on their strengths and lead happy and
fulfilling lives. We help to connect communities through support groups, volunteer visiting
programs and community projects.
Our vision is that every person is healthy, safe, connected and has a meaningful and productive
role in their community.
NEWS 
