Get Involved

Social Isolation Prevention Peak

Supporting seniors to stay connected, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing while strengthening links with community.

Council on the ageing logo hexagons in blue, orange, yellow and green
1 in 3 australians expereince loneliness higher risk in later life
20 percent of Queenslanders report limited social contact
40 percent of older Australians would like to be social active
40 percent of Australians aged 55 to 75 volunteer each year

Find ways to connect near you​

Looking to meet new people, try something different or get more involved in your community? Enter your suburb or postcode to find social connection programs and activities near you.

“Connection is at the heart of healthy ageing.”

Our Approach

Council on the Ageing Queensland established a statewide separate Seniors Social Isolation (SSI) peak body in October 2024 to align resources and objectives among funded Seniors Social Isolation organisations.

This Queensland Government funded initiative aims to strengthen the work of 60+ seniors social isolation organisations through enhancing service delivery, reducing social isolation, and increasing meaningful community engagement for older adults.

Together, we strive to foster inclusivity and recognise the value of older people.

Age Well Stay Connected Webinar for Seniors Social Isolation Presentation Workshop

Our Plan

We work collaboratively with social isolation prevention organisations in Queensland to ensure services are cohesive, targeted and effective.

Our focus includes:

  • Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing through the Seniors Social Isolation Community of Practice – a Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common concern, a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and come together to fulfill individual and group goals by sharing best practice
  • Generating opportunities and partnerships for innovation to better meet local community need.
  • Establishing an online Seniors Social Isolation knowledge centre
  • Developing a well-informed network through proactive communication, engagement and professional development.

Age Well Stay Connected Events 2025

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, in partnership with ADA Australia and the Queensland Public Advocate, delivered a three-part series of Age Well Stay Connected events in Brisbane, Townsville, and Longreach between March and October 2025. The events brought together community members and sector stakeholders to share stories, showcase local initiatives, and explore practical opportunities to support older Queenslanders in staying socially connected and maintaining wellbeing. Each event was tailored to the region’s social and cultural context and included a Welcome from a First Nations elder, music to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a keynote from Dr. Catherine Barrett on social isolation and ageism, and interactive activities such as World Café conversations. Across the three events, 189 participants attended, including 48 community members and 141 sector stakeholders from aged care, health, social, and community services, with representation from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Thematic analysis of participant insights highlighted four key themes: breaking down barriers and strengthening connections, empowering older people through meaningful engagement, improving access to information and resources, and working collaboratively to enhance impact. Outcomes included stronger community networks, practical insights for future action, and a foundation for continued impact. Event outputs included 19 stories, 16 World Café insight reports, 5 storytelling graphics, and 3 summary reports. Lessons learned emphasised meeting people where they are, valuing the lived experience of older people, and tailoring approaches to diverse communities. Key recommendations for ongoing work focus on building capacity and knowledge-sharing, strengthening collaboration and partnerships, and promoting inclusive engagement and meaningful community participation.

Download the individual Event Summary Reports and Event Series Summary report below.

At the Townsville event, Rachel Apelt from Artbalm captured the day visually, resulting in 5 visual stories from the day.  

  • Using surveys and case studies to be informed and up to date on community needs
  • Fostering research partnerships to understand our social impact and refine future approaches.

Become a Community Advocate

Council on the Ageing Queensland is very keen to share your lived experience with older Queenslanders.

By adding your voice, you can help us advocate to governments, businesses and communities to positively influence change. Together we can make Queensland a place where older people can age with dignity, independence and purpose.

Take the first step in joining our community by entering your details below and we will be in touch.
Don’t worry, we will never sell or share your contact information with anyone outside of COTA Queensland without your permission.

Thank you for your interest in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of older Queenslanders.