Council on the Ageing Queensland

Did you know that scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions?

Messages such as "Act now", "Immediate action required" or "Your account will be suspended" are designed to make people react before they have time to think.
Taking a moment to pause, check and verify can help protect your money and personal information.

Join us at Banking Safely in a Digital World and learn practical ways to recognise scams, stay safe online and bank with confidence.

📍 Bundaberg | 30 June
📍 Hervey Bay | 1 July
📍 Maryborough | 2 July

Register today: https://humanitix.pulse.ly/h6eedcitjc

A week ago, communities across Queensland and around the world marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

While the day itself has passed, the message remains just as important.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial abuse, coercive control, neglect, social isolation and emotional harm. It is often hidden and can happen within relationships of trust.
Preventing elder abuse starts long before a crisis. It begins with staying connected, listening, challenging ageism and creating communities where older people feel safe, respected and heard.

As our CEO Darren Young writes:
"Awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. Action is needed."

If you missed our World Elder Abuse Awareness Day message, we invite you to take a few moments to read it and learn more about how we can all play a role in preventing elder abuse.
Read the full message: https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/bjsiaktimi

Banking is changing. So are scams.

Whether you bank online regularly or are just getting started, knowing how to recognise scams and protect your personal information is more important than ever.

Join us for a free community workshop and learn practical ways to:

✔ Recognise common scam tactics
✔ Protect your personal and banking information
✔ Bank safely online and on your mobile device
✔ Know what to do if something doesn't feel right
✔ Access help and support

📍 Bundaberg | 30 June
📍 Hervey Bay | 1 July
📍 Maryborough | 2 July

Places are limited. Register today: https://humanitix.pulse.ly/lki7dvbbmr
Bring a friend or family member along and learn together.

Hosted by Council on the Ageing Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, social isolation and coercive control. Often, the signs are not obvious.
This month, we'd like to understand how confident our community feels about recognising elder abuse.

If you were concerned about an older person, how confident are you that you would recognise the signs of elder abuse?

Very confident
Somewhat confident
Not very confident
Not at all confident

Let us know in the comments.

Words matter.

The language we use can shape how older people are perceived, treated and included.
Sometimes ageism appears in everyday conversations:
❌ "That's just part of getting older."
✅ "Let's look at what might be causing this."
❌ "You're doing well for your age."
✅ "You're doing well."
❌ "You probably won't understand the technology."
✅ "Let me know if you'd like help with this."
Small words can have a big impact.

By choosing respectful, age-inclusive language, we can help create communities where older people feel valued, heard and respected.

What age-positive language examples would you add?

Explore our Words Matter guide: https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/swasazngqz

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder abuse can happen in many forms, including financial abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, social isolation and coercive control.

Often, the signs aren't obvious.
That's why awareness matters.

By learning to recognise the signs and starting conversations, we can all play a role in helping older people feel safe, respected and valued.
Spot the signs. Start the conversation.
Want to learn more about elder abuse, how to recognise the signs, and where to get support?

Visit our WEAAD page for information, resources and support services - https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/b5tzyxx8la

Men's Health Week
Looking after your health isn't just about doctor visits and check-ups. It's also about staying connected, keeping active, having purpose and spending time with people who matter.

For many older men, retirement, caring responsibilities, health challenges or life changes can affect wellbeing in ways that aren't always visible.

Sometimes it's the simple things that make a difference:
☕ A coffee with a mate
🚶 A walk together
📞 A phone call
💬 A good conversation

Connection is an important part of health and wellbeing.

This Men's Health Week, take a moment to check in with yourself or someone you care about.

What's something that helps you stay well, or the best advice you've received from another man?

Too often, older people are spoken about, rather than listened to.
Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Elder Abuse Action Australia is hosting a special Lunch & Learn webinar, Standing Up, Speaking Out: Older People's Voices in the Spotlight.
Hear directly from members of EAAA's Seniors Panel for Advocacy, Rights and Knowledge (SPARK) as they share their perspectives on elder abuse, rights, ageing and what meaningful action looks like.

Because ending elder abuse starts with listening.
📅 Thursday 11 June
🕧 12:30pm AEST
💻 Online and free

Register here: https://eaaa.pulse.ly/dd8l3hu1qm

Have your say.

Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) are exploring how people's beliefs, experiences and ways of life shape participation and inclusion in Australia.
They're inviting Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 18+ to take part in a short anonymous survey.

✅ Takes around 15–20 minutes
✅ Open to adults across Australia
✅ Available in multiple languages
✅ Participants can enter a draw to win one of several $100 vouchers

The researchers are particularly keen to hear from older Australians to help ensure their experiences and perspectives are represented.
Take part in the survey:
https://qualtrics.pulse.ly/8msberi0mw

Next week is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

Elder abuse is often hidden and can happen to anyone.
Would you be able to spot the signs?
It can take many forms, including:
️👉 Emotional abuse
👉 Financial abuse
👉 Physical abuse
👉 Sexual abuse
👉 Neglect
👉 Abandonment
👉 Social isolation.

The signs aren't always obvious but knowing what to look for can make a difference.
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches, take a few moments to learn the signs and understand where to get help.
Spot the signs. Start the conversation.

Learn more about elder abuse, warning signs and support services:
https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/tofi6llra0