The IRT Foundation has formed an alliance with four Illawarra councils to incorporate age-friendly principles within public planning, such as affordable housing and accessible buildings. The relationship has been instigated as part of IRT’s philosophy that age should not be a hindrance to accessing services or participating in social or civic life.
CEO Nieves Murray will tell delegates at the Future of Ageing Conference next month that aged care providers have a role to play in bolstering social inclusion by providing opportunities for residents to participate in the broader community.
An example of this is IRT’s concept for a new independent living complex in the centre of the Wollongong CBD, which will have a public outdoor plaza with cafes and a rose garden. She hoped the plaza would become a local hub allowing for “spontaneous opportunity” for intergenerational interaction.