Print Icon
 
   

COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
10 FEBRUARY 2022

   

LIMITED SEATS REMAINING!

Join us for our State Election Leaders Forum on Ageing.

The COTA SA Forum will be from 10-11.30am on 1 March 2022 at the Adelaide Pavilion.

It will be an opportunity for the leaders of our major political parties to respond to our questions about what they will do to support South Australians to age well and to address the priorities and recommendations outlined in the COTA SA 2022 State Election Platform. Read our State Election Platform here.


This free event will be hosted by COTA SA Deputy President, Anne Burgess AM. The forum will also be streamed live online.  Please note there will be no Q + A at this event.

BOOKING

  • You must register to attend either in person or online, by using the button below or calling us on 08 8232 0422
  • Be quick as there are only a few seats remaining
  • Please note if you have already booked for the Leaders Forum, you are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask to the event. Should you wish you change your registration to online, please email events@cotasa.org.au and we will send you the online link.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT THE WORK
OF COTA SA?

The months leading up to the South Australian 2022 State Election are a perfect time to speak to your local candidates about issues affecting older South Australians. 

We encourage you to contact the candidates in your state electorate to talk to them about these issues, your own experiences and what needs to change to ensure we all have the opportunity to age well in our communities. 

COVID update from COTA SA 

Given the serious and ongoing threat posed by COVID-19 and the particular risk to older South Australians, COTA SA has put in place new measures to protect our COTA SA community. Staff, volunteers, visitors and all other individuals entering our Hutt St office or attending COTA SA hosted events, are now required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with the current Australian Government guidelines. The only exception will be for those who have a valid Medical Exemption.
Staff, volunteers and guests must also wear a mask except while seated.

 

We are mindful that some older South Australians will continue to choose not to be fully vaccinated. We will maintain a range of opportunities to stay in touch including by telephone, online, email and post.

   

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO TOOK THE CLIMATE CHANGE SURVEY


We now have some great insight into how you feel about climate change, the steps you have taken to reduce your environmental impact and your interest in buying an electric vehicle.  


The survey results reinforced that well over 80% of older South Australians are very concerned about climate change. And you aren’t just concerned for yourselves and the significant impact on your health. It’s the impact on future generations and the planet that has you most worried with 90% stating these concerns.


Most of you are already personally active in the current waste and consumption reduction strategies. You expect to do this heavy lifting and see Government's role to support you to do it, as they’re doing with solar panels and batteries and recycle and green waste bins; the infrastructure, the subsidies, and the education.


So what action are you looking to take next? The survey results indicate that you are active in considering electric vehicles, heat pumps and solar batteries. But particularly electric vehicles, where 67% of you would consider buying an electric vehicle for your next car, but purchase price and charging stations are holding you back from buying one.


The next steps that need to be taken by Governments are clear. If they want to win the hearts and minds of older people, sort out electric vehicle prices and charging so that this climate-concerned generation can take their next steps in climate change action.


While the results are yielded from a small sample size, they are consistent with other local and international studies seeking to understand the attitudes and expectations of people in relation to climate change. The insights from our survey will help COTA SA’s Climate Change Group to set its priorities for 2022.

We would like to thank The Plug-in team for designing and sending out the survey on our behalf. The Plug-in is COTA SA’s specialist consumer engagement and insights consultancy. They connect people with business, industry & researchers to generate insights that improve products, services & policies for the growing 50+ market. If you would like to become part of The Plug-in’s community of Influencers, you can register with  online here or over the phone on 08 8232 0422.


- Barry Apsey, Chair Climate Change Group Steering Committee

   

COTA SA'S PODCAST SERIES
VOICES ON AGEING: SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Episode 4: Barbara - Reconnection After Loss


The Voices on Ageing podcast series introduces six people who participated in the COTA Social Connections project. 


In episode four Reconnecting After Loss, Barbara talks about how several years after the death of her husband she reconnected with activities and social groups. With the support of her Peer Volunteer Marjorie, Barbara rebuilt her confidence to attend social activities as a single person. This renewed confidence has led to her pursuing her passions of travel and playing cards, as well as planning regular movie outings with girlfriends. With plans for a week-long intrastate travel trip Barbara is excited about the adventures to come.


Voices on Ageing is streamed on podcast services and on the COTA SA Social Connections webpage.

   
   

EXPLORING WAYS TO EXPAND OUR REACH TO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS

The Strength for Life [SFL] program has countless benefits for everyone in our community, yet many older people have never heard of SFL. This could be due to many reasons including cultural and linguistic barriers to awareness and understanding of the benefits of the program. Participation remains especially low for Aboriginal people in South Australia.


In January 2022 Clara Tait, Cultural Diversity Officer for Strength for Life visited the Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre in Reynella and was warmly welcomed by staff members, Nora Sevallos and Rose Davis.


Together they discussed the nuts and bolts of SFL and explored strategies relating to accessibility, cultural responsiveness, overcoming barriers and raising awareness about the Program for Aboriginal people living in the City of Onkaparinga.


As a result of this meeting, the focus going forward will be:

  • Training of Aboriginal fitness instructors
  • Working with existing facilities in the Onkaparinga Council to provide culturally responsive Strength for Life sessions for Aboriginal people
  • Information sessions/exchanging ideas with Aboriginal community members aged 40+
  • The development of culturally responsive resources about Strength for Life

We look forward to working towards the common goal of enhancing health and wellbeing for Aboriginal community members with staff at the Neporendi Community Centre.

 

Feel free to contact Clara Tait to discuss any ideas as to how to make SFL more accessible and culturally appropriate to Aboriginal people on 8232 0422 or ctait@cotasa.org.au.




NEW PROVIDERS!!

Terrific news that more SFL providers are returning to delivering SFL sessions each week, and it is great that we have some new providers on board. For more details or to book in for assessments please call the numbers below:


Fitness Loades  Adelaide + Parkside - Phone Ben on 0447 250 285

Anytime Fitness Para Hills West - Phone 0416 528 745

Bluefit Aquadome  Now offering SFL Aqua – Phone 8287 8800

Coromandel Valley Community Centre - Phone 8370 6880

Wandana Community Centre Gilles Plains – Phone 8215 6330

Sophie Beers Group and PT  Kapunda – Phone 0417 887 674

Fitness Life 24  Naracoorte - Phone 0419 166 589


Visit the COTA SA website for the full list of SFL Providers across South Australia. 

   

FREE GROUP INFORMATION SESSSIONS – SENIORS ON BOARD

Catching a bus, train or tram can be an enjoyable and inexpensive alternative to driving. COTA SA is working with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to deliver an information session to seniors’ groups on using public transport. The information sessions were co-designed with older people who told us what is important to them when travelling on Adelaide Metro services.


The session includes:

  • Demystifying accessing timetables and routes
  • What to consider when planning a session
  • How to enjoy the trip
  • Accessibility services
  • Being prepared to travel without a car, and more.


Each session will be tailored to the individual groups needs by presenters who are all experienced public transport users and COTA SA Peer Educators.
For people who are finding it a bit daunting we are also offering a practice journey with a Peer Educator.


BOOK A SESSION on P: 8232 0422, E: bookings@cotasa.org.au or complete the application form on the Seniors on Board webpage.

   

BOOK NOW FOR OUR LGBTI COMMUNITY FORUM


Join esteemed writers Alana Valentine and Christos Tsiolkas in conversation with Jackie Wurm from COTA SA’s Rainbow Hub.


This forum is part of COTA SA’s Rainbow Horizons project, supported by Office for Ageing Well, SA Health,  to facilitate conversations within the SA LGBTI community about end-of-life care, planning and dying. We also hope to explore and develop a model of an intergenerational 'compassionate community' to help support LGBTI people towards the end of their lives.


Supported by Office for Ageing Well and Feast Festival.


WHEN: 5:00 - 7:00pm Sunday 27 February 2022

WHERE: Torrens Rowing Club, Victoria Drive, near King William Street

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: RSVP by 23 February
Email
events@cotasa.org.au or call 0882320422.

More at - Don’t leave me this way - honouring our lives in community



RAINBOW HUB MONTHLY LUNCH

A lunch for LGBTI people aged 50+ to enjoy good food, good company, and good conversation. Come and meet old friends and make new ones. Hear the latest about ageing well. Support Treasury 1860 who support our community. All very welcome.


DATE: 24 February; 24 March; 28 April and every 4th Thursday of the month

TIME: 12 noon - 1:30pm

WHERE:  Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

BOOKINGS:  Essential as numbers are limited due to COVID-19. One week before helps the venue plan. Email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. Please ring 08 8232 0422 ASAP if you need to cancel so others may attend. If the COVID situation requires a zoom conversation will be held instead.


   

COTA SA SERVICE CHARTER

COTA SA has a service charter which sets out our commitment to provide people with the service they expect. Please have a look at it and tell us how we are doing! We are always looking for ways to improve and we welcome your feedback.

   

NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

It’s about time!!! After 11 years we are finally upgrading our website. We want our site to reflect who we are and what we do in a clean, clear, modern way. Stay tuned for the soft launch, then hop on and have a good look around!
   

AGEING WELL SUPPORT FOR THOSE LIVING IN COUNTRY AREAS

If you know someone living in a regional area who is struggling to access and navigate My Aged Care, the aged care system or who doesn’t know where or how to get help for a loved one, call John Moran, Ageing Well Coordinator – Country on free call 1800 182 324 or 8232 0422. Mary* did and below is her story.


MARY'S STORY

Mary lives in southeast Regional SA and cares for her husband who has dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Mary was needing more support for her husband and through a local nurse managed to access a level 3 package for him. Unfortunately, the services were limited to the council putting in rails in the toilet and bathroom and some domestic assistance once a fortnight.


Mary tried to get other services but the two providers that support the town were already at capacity and the region she lived in was deemed too far away for workers to travel to. When Mary rang COTA SA’s Ageing Well Coordinator – Country, John Moran, she was very stressed as she could not see any other options for her husband (and herself) to get support.


John gained permission from Mary to contact providers and Country Health Connect on her behalf, all of which were aware of Mary’s situation. John followed up with several providers who did not service Mary’s town and he checked in with Mary to let her know he was pursuing more options. John also discussed alternatives such as respite with Mary, but this was something her husband would not contemplate.


On his last phone call, Mary told John she had been advised a package would be available in January, and they had a worker who could do the support. She was very relieved.


Mary was grateful for support she received from COTA SA as she felt she was not trying to manage the situation on her own. It was of great comfort to know someone was advocating for her husband and would not stop until the situation was adequately rectified.

*Names have been changed for privacy 

   

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AS YOU GET OLDER?

The Plug-in is supported by Office for Ageing Well and Wellbeing SA to explore and understand the varied experiences of older people making social connections with others and being active in their community.

 

We know people have many different experiences of feeling connected and we want to hear about yours. For some older people, staying connected to their social circle or wider community is a challenge. We want to talk to a wide range of older South Australians to understand how you successfully connect with others in your community and what gets in the way of making social connections — this includes connections for friendship, but also with neighbours and acquaintances in community settings.

 

The important findings of this study will inform local programs in regional areas and be shared with decision-makers in state government, local health networks, councils, not-for-profit organisations, and other service providers.


Click here to read more about the project.

 

The survey is open to all South Australians aged over 50 years, with a particular focus on people living in regional areas. If you are unable to complete the survey online, please contact The Plug-in on the number below to obtain a hard copy or complete the survey over the phone.

 

If you know family, friends or others who would be interested in contributing to this project and the work of The Plug-in, please share this information with them.
The Plug-in wants to hear the voices of a broad range of older South Australians from regional and metropolitan areas.

 

Contact The Plug-in for more information on 08 8224 5526 or connect@theplugin.com.au.

   

COTA TRAVEL

            SUNNY OASIS - 4 DAYS ESCAPE

Adelaide – Naracoorte – Mount Gambier – Robe


Join this perfect summer holiday to the South-Eastern corner of South Australia. This 4-day breakaway takes you from Adelaide, to Naracoorte, to Mount Gambier and Robe and back to Adelaide. Be amazed by the beauty of the Sinkhole gardens, experience the bluest lake you will ever see, stunning volcanic landscapes and more. 



Departs Adelaide $1,350*pp twin share 
Connections available all states, contact us for more information. 
18 March and 7 October 2022 departures
Return transfers from home (Adelaide only). 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 lunch and 1 afternoon tea included.


CALL NOW! 1300 896 282 
   

MOTORISED WHEELCHAIRS

Motorised wheelchairs (sometimes referred to as “mobility scooters” or “gophers”) help their owners retain some independence when it is not as easy to walk due to illness or ageing.  Users need to be aware that rules apply when using one.

Did you know that the user of a motorised wheelchair is regarded as a pedestrian under the Australian Road Rules if the motorised wheelchair is not capable of travelling at a speed greater than 10km/h and if the user is unable to walk or has difficulty walking?  Users of motorised wheelchairs must observe the same road rules applicable to all pedestrians, including:

• using the footpath or nature strip where one is available

• keeping to the far left or far right of a road where no footpath or nature strip is provided, or is not practicable to use

• not travelling in bike lanes

• crossing a road at pedestrian lights and at traffic lights

• not causing a traffic hazard or obstruction.

 

Motorised wheelchair users do not need a driver’s licence, registration and insurance to drive on a road if they are a person who reasonably requires the use of one because of some physical infirmity.

For more information on SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre programs and resources click here

   

WIN 2 x DOUBLE PASSES TO:
'MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC - BROADWAY AND BEYOND!'

Join Margie Hay, Richard and Michael Larritt on the Capri WurliTzer for an afternoon of broadway and beyond highlights. 


WHEN: Sunday February 20 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

WHERE: The Capri Theatre, Goodwood


They will be joined by guest artist, Henry Olonga, The Voice contestant and former International Cricketer performing some light opera and stage music.


To win a double pass be one of the first two people to call COTA SA on 8232 0422. Tickets will be available for collection at the box office on the day of the screening.

   

PROVIDE YOUR VIEWS ON AGEISM TO HELP UPHOLD THE RIGHTS OF OLDER SOUTH AUSTRALIANS

Office for Ageing Well, SA Health is surveying South Australians to understand their views of growing older to inform its work to shift and transform negative stereotypes of ageing and tackle the abuse and mistreatment of older people.

 

For the past seven years, Office for Ageing Well has conducted the annual Stop Elder Abuse community awareness campaign – find out more here.

 

Now it’s engaged local agency Think Human to gather community views on a range of potential themes and specific messages for the 2022 Elder Abuse Prevention campaign and beyond.

This survey draws on Office for Ageing Well’s learnings from two community engagement projects last year.

 

We would very much like to hear your views through the survey which you can access here.

 

If you would prefer to have the survey questions sent to you, email melanie@thinkhuman.com.au.

   
   

LET US KNOW HOW WE ARE DOING...

At COTA SA we always welcome your feedback so we can improve our services to you. 

If there's something you'd like us to know,  please tell us using the button below.

   
   
   

COTA SA acknowledges the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional custodians of the land our headquarters occupy. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal nations throughout South Australia. We honour Aboriginal peoples’ continuing connection to Country and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people.

   
Facebook
Twitter

 NEW POSTAL ADDRESS 
 PO BOX 7024, Hutt Street SA 5000
NEW STREET ADDRESS    
Kaurna Country Level 1/85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000  
P: 08 8232 0422   |    E: cotasa@cotasa.org.au
www.cotasa.org.au
ABN 28 426 218 58