The University of Sydney has recently launched a new and free service called StepUp for Ageing Research*, led by Professor Yun-Hee Jeon. From quick surveys to drug trials and everything in between, the service helps researchers recruit into studies and helps volunteers access tailored opportunities that interest them, providing a chance to ‘give back’. StepUp ambassador The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO said “Healthy ageing is about older people becoming and remaining healthy. StepUp for Ageing Research will enable the voices of older people, families and communities to be heard and to be included”. Read more (here).
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers
A community arts project which promotes intergenerational friendships, celebrates life at 100 (in all its forms) fights the negative ageing stigma.
The Northern Territory rendition will culminate in an exhibition in Mary 2023 presenting portraits of 100 year-olds by local teenage artists, following a life-affirming intergenerational process.
Embraced is looking for centenarians who would like their portrait painted or drawn by a local teenage artists through this program. Post exhibition portraits will be gifted to each centenarian subject. Read more (here).
Assistive Technology for All
Assistive Technology for All is a national campaign that is coordinated by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria. It aims to improve access to assistive technology for people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS.
“What we’re talking about here is just basic needs. It’s nothing special. It’s just the basic supports that we need to help us live a normal life.” – Consumer with spinal cord injury
Over the past 18 months, Assistive Technology for All has had a significant research project underway involving two independent, but interrelated studies. The findings from these studies have been compiled into a single report entitled, “The Australian Assistive Technology Equity Studies: Improving access to assistive technology for people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS”.
These reports provide a rich evidence-base to support the call for a national assistive technology and home modifications program to support people with disability who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). National advocacy around this issue is being coordinated through the Assistive Technology for All (ATFA) campaign – an initiative of Council on the Ageing Victoria. This campaign is now supported by more than 60 organisations spanning the health, ageing and disability sectors.
2021
my Territory Connections
Researchers from Charles Darwin University want to understand how Territorians are connected through their social networks, community participation and attachment to the place they live.
my Territory Connections is an on-line survey with questions about the interaction Territorians have with their family, friends and neighbours, the things they do to help each other, and what they give and take from their communities. Results will be used to guide decisions about what is making life better and who might be missing out.
Everybody aged 18 years and over living in the Territory now has the chance to win a $500 voucher by completing the survey. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and can be accessed here: My Territory Connections Survey (cdu.edu.au)
If you have any questions or concerns about the survey or would like further information, please contact the researchers through or by phoning the Northern Institute on 8946 7468.
As part of its ongoing work to tackle ageism against senior Territorians, COTA NT supports the Every Age Counts Campaign, an advocacy campaign funded by The Benevolent Society to tackle ageism across Australia.
COTA NT raises awareness of ageism and the Pledge Against Ageism through its own advocacy, its newsletters and media releases. It combats ageism through its representation of older Territorians, positive staffing and volunteer policy (read more).
At Seniors Expo 2021, COTA NT invited visitors to celebrate every age (find out more here).
2020
‘Scams and identity theft’ – Scams Awareness Week 17 – 21 August 2020
Scams are constantly evolving and our growing use and reliance on technology provides scammers more opportunities to trick you into giving away your valuable personal information. Scammers can use your personal information to steal your identity for personal and financial gain. This year National Scams Awareness Week empowers you to learn ways to protect your personal and financial information in an increasingly digital environment (read more).
StepUp Dementia Research
The goal of StepUp for Dementia Research is to make it possible for everyone who wants to be involved in dementia research to get the chance to do so and to help researchers find the people they need. COTA NT is proud to champion the project and to assist researchers connect to people in the Northern Territory (find out more about StepUp Dementia Research and how you can get involved).
2019
See me. Know me. (Meaningful Ageing Australia)
From December 2019 through to February 2020, COTA NT supported Meaningful Ageing Australia’s See me. Know me. campaign through displaying their posters (in English and in-language), posting ads on social media and making the resources kit (conversations starters, questions for aged care providers and posters) available on its website. This campaign is designed to help seniors feel more valued, to help them connect with family and friends, and ultimately to empower them to find aged care services that will truly tune in to them as a whole person (find out more).
Northern Territory Seniors
Over 50 seniors in the Northern Territory shared their stories and their photographs with us for the publication of our 50 Seniors 50 Stories publication. Published in December 2019 to celebrate COTA NT’s 50 years of service to Territory seniors (find out more).
Active Ageing Australia – Moving for Life
From 1-7 October 2019, we supported Active Ageing Week through purchasing and displaying themed posters to promote the important messages about physical activity for health, well-being and maintaining independence as we age (read more about Active Ageing Week).
‘Too Smart to be Scammed?’ Scams Awareness Week 12 – 16 August 2019
As part of the National Continence Program, the Toilet Map provides information on over 19,000 publicly available toilets across Australia, including accessibility, opening hours and facilities, such as showers & baby change.
In 2018, COTA NT volunteers worked to increase the Northern Territory’s public toilet database and promote the project through creation and distribution of a dedicated flyer.
2017
Consumer Directed Care
COTA NT volunteer Peer Educators delivered information workshops to community groups regarding the Consumer Directed Care program. The ‘Home Care Today’ project ran from 2013 to June 2017. The Consumer Directed Care (CDC) section of Home Care Today for Providers explained what CDC was and what principles guided the delivery of Home Care Packages.
2015
CoolMob
COTA NT volunteers assisted CoolMob to deliver the ‘Smart Cooling in the Tropics’ program to eligible senior Territorians.
2014
Advanced Personal Planning
COTA NT delivered several presentations and information workshops to help Territorians understand new legislation regarding Advance Personal Planning (making a ‘living will’.)
2009
Beyond Blue
COTA NT volunteer Peer Educators delivered information workshops to community groups regarding Beyond Blue services.
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers
