Lisa Dennis
The Positive Ageing Advocacy Group is on the hunt for new members keen to make a difference in the lives of Mount Alexander Shire’s senior population.
Inaugural PAAG chair, Marilyn Bennet, and her partner and fellow founding member, Ian Braybrook, have decided to step back from their roles to focus on their retirement and are encouraging ‘new blood’ to join the friendly group.
Marilyn said the idea to establish PAAG came about in June 2017 as part of the Age Friendly Communities Project.
“We have really enjoyed our time with the group and have achieved a lot, but now it’s time for someone else to step in and share their ideas,” she said.
Positive ageing is an approach that recognises how negative mental states (beliefs, thoughts, ideas, attitudes) can have a detrimental impact on physical and emotional wellbeing as we age.
PAAG, auspiced by Castlemaine Community House, looks to create positive change and opportunities for local residents, including coordinating the annual Seniors Festival.
The group was instrumental in trying to establish a retirement village in the shire to provide affordable housing to local seniors. It helped secure a block of land, but COVID halted the project when the potential developer was forced to pull out.
CCH community development coordinator, Kerrily ‘Kez’ Jennings, said the CCH team could offer support but it was important that the group was driven by members of the community and their vision for seniors and themselves in retirement.
“The latest 2021 census data revealed that 33 per cent of people in Mount Alexander Shire are aged over 60, up from 25 per cent in the previous census,” Kez said.
“Therefore the role PAAG plays is crucial and we really invite younger people to get involved and help shape a positive future for our ageing community.”
To find out more about PAAG, contact Kez at Castlemaine Community Health on 5472 4842 or email reception@cch.org.au
