Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
Media Release
Wednesday 25 November, 2009
Society backs call for more activities for older Australians
A recommendation of the Federal Government’s Crawford Report into Sport - that Australia needs to
increasingly support sports and physical activities that meet the needs of older participants - has received
the backing of The Benevolent Society.
Richard Spencer, the Chief Executive of the Society, Australia’s first charity, said the report had noted
that the number of Australians aged 70 years and older was expected to rise from a current nine per cent
of population to 13 per cent by 2021 and to 20 per cent (some 5.7 million people) by 2051.
“We wholeheartedly support the finding that the nation’s ageing society will have a significant impact upon
sport and recreational activities and where, as a nation, we need to focus support,” he said.
“Research has shown that involvement in physical activity has many positive benefits for individual older
people, both physical and social. Keeping older people active has very large population health benefits
and sport has a critical role to play in this regard.”
The Crawford Report pointed out that greater life expectancy, improvements in overall health, greater
affluence and a general perception of feeling younger will all be factors in driving increased involvement by
older persons compared to previous generations.
Mr Spencer said many older Australians, freed-up from the workforce, were keen to contribute to
community organisations and clubs and given the ageing trend line it would be of great benefit for the
nation to harness this resource.
“It is important that society makes good use of the important skills that older generations can give, and go
on giving, to the community in retirement.
“Our research, and experience in working with older people, shows that they want to remain independent
and retain their ability to give back to their local area for as long as possible.
“This helps their own esteem but also reinforces their ongoing value and input to the community around
them.”
“As a community, we need to create more opportunities for older people to be physically active, by, for
example, ensuring that sporting facilities are accessible to older people, by providing sport and
recreational activities that will appeal to older people, and encouraging older people to take part.
“The concept of achieving greater sporting and community engagement from retired people is definitely a
win–win scenario for Australia.
“Opportunities to participate in physical activity and sport should not be limited by age,” Mr Spencer said.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Erin Schrieber, The Benevolent Society on
0410 003 934 or Graham Cassidy, Cato Counsel on 0419 202 317
2
2
Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
The Benevolent Society
Established in 1813, The Benevolent Society is Australia’s first charity. Nearly two centuries after
we first started helping the destitute and homeless in colonial Sydney, our 800 staff and 600
volunteers continue to support more than 16,000 children and adults each year in metropolitan,
regional and rural New South Wales and in Queensland.
The Benevolent Society works with
women, children, families, older people, people with a
disability and those who care for them, and people affected by adoption. We support vulnerable
and disadvantaged people across the lifespan to build on their strengths and lead happy and
fulfilling lives. We help to connect communities through support groups, volunteer visiting
programs and community projects.
Our vision is that every person is healthy, safe, connected and has a meaningful and productive
role in their community.
NEWS 
