City identifies itself as an old friend

Chronic loneliness among senior citizens has prompted City Hall to declare Geelong “age-friendly”.
Council joined other local government, business and community groups as a signatory to the Age-Friendly Victoria declaration last week.
A report revealing that chronic loneliness among Victorian seniors ranged from seven to 12 per cent, inspired the state’s municipal association to establish the declaration.
The initiative sought to develop partnerships for “age-friendly projects … to improve community participation and health and social outcomes for all Victorian seniors”, City Hall’s Linda Quinn said.
“Changes to the built environment, such as improved precinct lighting, development of local footpath networks and better public seating are some examples of how we are already working to make things better for older people,” Ms Quinn said.
“We also support older people to expand their networks and participate in community life through initiatives such as the Geelong Seniors Festival and Positive Ageing Network.”
City Hall said Geelong businesses, community groups and non-government organisations could sign up to the declaration at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/get-involved/age-friendly-victoria.