Faced with the prospect that 20 per cent of Queensland’s projected population mid-century will be above current retirement age, the Palaszczuk Government is setting sail for an “age-friendly future”.

Estimates based on current population trends, put Queensland’s senior over 65 demographic at 1.8 million people in about 28 years’ time.

Seniors Minister Craig Crawford said the senior section of the community had been growing three times faster than other parts of the population in the last decade.

The growth is putting pressure on planners, particularly those in the health, housing and employment sectors.

“We want to make sure seniors are supported and have opportunities to continue to contribute economically and socially, whether through work, volunteering or in retirement,’’ Crawford said.

“Older Queenslanders are economically, politically, socially and culturally active. Every day they make a significant contribution in our communities. They deserve recognition and the opportunity to age well.”

Coinciding with Queensland Seniors Month, the government has released a planning document laying out what an ‘age-friendly’ Queensland will look like in 2050.

Part of the plans are in response to the views of today’s seniors, who say they want opportunities to stay in their homes for longer, live in communities that enable them to be mobile and connected and have access to job opportunities.

Other areas in line for reform include palliative care, elder abuse and a housing strategy dedicated to older women.