The Tasmanian Government has introduced a new ‘Ticket to Wellbeing’ program, aiming to provide seniors over 65 with greater access to sport and wellbeing activities.
Minister for Sport Nick Duigan says the initiative is a “national first” and will connect older Tasmanians with opportunities in their local communities.
“We know how important those opportunities are and that’s what we want to do through this project,” Duigan said.
“We want to make it easier for them to get out and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, because we know that joining a sporting club or something of that nature is not only good for your physical wellbeing, it’s also very good for your mental wellbeing as well.”
The program will operate as a grants scheme over two years, with each eligible person receiving two $100 vouchers annually.
The vouchers can be used to access sporting clubs like badminton, pickleball and others.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Roger Jaensch says the initiative is about more than just physical activity.
“For older Tasmanians, we know that … to be somewhere where people are expecting you to join in a group activity and maintain the social contact that comes from that, as well as the physical exercise that the activity provides, is absolutely essential,” he said.
“That’s great for people. It’s also good for clubs and the other members in them to have older Tasmanians in their space, in their organisation, sharing their knowledge and perspectives and life experience as well.”
Council on the Ageing Tasmania CEO Brigid Wilkinson says the program recognises the importance of equity in service and support for seniors.
“All of these clubs have volunteers, a huge majority over 60, so I think it’s really important to show that we value all ages in the community, including the really valuable contributions that older Tasmanians continue to make to their local communities,” she said.
Vouchers for the program will be available in the new year via the Ticket to Wellbeing website.
