Views can be provided via an online survey on the council website, while hard copies also are available on request, until Friday, December 20.

"With 53 per cent of us aged over 50 and a sharp increase in the proportion of older residents over the next few years, it's important that we plan effectively for our ageing population, and understand what the issues are for our older residents," MidCoast Council community strengthening interim manager, Chris Jones said.

This first ageing strategy for the new MidCoast Council aims to provide appropriate planning to ensure that our community environments, infrastructure and services are appropriate for older people in our communities, Mr Jones said.

With a general shift from institutionalised aged care to ageing in place, it is important that the community is prepared to accommodate this change.

Ageing in place is more than an older person having the ability to remain at home as they age - it's about the neighbourhood, available local services, transport services and social inclusion.

In early 2020, it's planned to hold focus groups across the region which will address in detail the issues identified by the survey.

The draft ageing strategy will then be prepared and provided to Council for adoption.

You can complete the survey now by visiting the MidCoast Council seniors page HERE.

To request a hard copy of the survey, please call the community services team on 7955 7235.