Government project targets social isolation of seniors
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"The Bligh Government is leading the push to reduce social isolation and help older people lead happier and healthier lives. Community Services Minister Karen Struthers released the findings of a comprehensive cross-government study undertaken to identify and develop innovative responses and policies to support vulnerable Queensland seniors. Ms Struthers said the Queensland Cross-Government Project to Reduce Social Isolation of Older People included community consultation, evaluating trial programs, and distributing project findings in a bid to bring about real change in communities. “Social isolation is an issue facing many older people, whether they live in the city or not, with studies linking it to depression and even suicide,” she said. Over the coming weeks a suite of products, including an evaluation report, DVD and best practice guidelines, will be distributed to help service providers develop and implement projects to reduce social isolation."