The Minister for Community Development, Cassy O'Connor, today launched a strategy aimed at helping older Tasmanians, particularly those who are socially isolated.

Ms O'Connor said the Tasmanian Government will provide the Council on the Ageing Tasmania with additional funding of $500,000 over the next four years to work on projects identified in the Inclusive Ageing: Tasmania 2012-2014 Strategy.

 "Older people make an invaluable contribution to our society," Ms O'Connor said. 

"Their wealth of skills, knowledge and experience benefit the whole community through their contributions to the economy, caring, volunteering, local community, family and friends.

"The aim of the Inclusive Ageing Strategy, is for a greater number of older people to maintain their independence and participate in their community.

"With Tasmania's population ageing at the fastest rate in the nation, we must challenge the misconceptions and negative assumptions about older people so they are not discriminated against because of their age.

"We will work closely with COTA to implement the projects that have been identified in the Strategy, providing new ways to foster opportunity and participation for our older people to remain independent and socially connected."

Ms O'Connor said the additional funding will be crucial in increasing COTA's ability to support the implementation of the projects outlined within the Strategy.

She said it would help COTA to propose and advocate for innovative, appropriate and evidence-informed approaches that benefit the health, wellbeing and quality of life of older Tasmanians.

"I welcome the appointment by COTA of a new Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sue Leitch, who brings with her considerable experience in policy development and advocacy in the community pharmacy and disability sector," Ms O'Connor said.

"One of the first projects to be undertaken will be to develop a single data set that provides a more comprehensive picture of older people in Tasmania.

"As we begin to implement the Strategy, we will work to help address the barriers that have an impact on older people's capacity to feel genuinely included in their community."

Ms O'Connor said she looked forward to an ongoing collaborative working relationship with COTA to support a more socially inclusive society in the context of an ageing population.

The Inclusive Ageing: Tasmania 2012-2014 Strategy is available for download from the Community Development Division website www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd