To many Australians, turning 60 and qualifying for a seniors card is a rite of passage. But those from migrant and refugee backgrounds may not know such schemes exist.
Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians, said at a state parliamentary inquiry on Monday that older residents who had arrived in Australia in recent years were at risk of being left behind.
"One of the reasons that interpreters ... are critical is to help that basic understanding of what it's like to grow old and what the services are," Mr Mansour said at the inquiry's first public hearing on Monday.
The inquiry into support for older Victorians from migrant and refugee backgrounds is due to report its recommendations to the state government before June.
Almost 29 per cent of Victorians were born overseas, according to the 2016 census. More than one-quarter of Victorians speak a language other than English at home.
Older migrants and refugees are less likely to report abuse due to language barriers and cultural expectations, the inquiry heard.
Mr Mansour said people from culturally diverse backgrounds may also need additional support to access services in the digital age.
"Older people generally are the ones that are most impacted by the digital divide. Of course, within that, people from culturally diverse communities are some of the most affected," he said, adding that increased access to technology for those communities as well as non-digital alternatives were needed.
The commissioner said older migrants and refugees needed access to "culturally safe programs" with trained staff members that understand their cultural experiences.
Ethnic specific organisations, local councils and informal care - provided by family members - are also important avenues to help older refugees and migrants overcome periods of isolation and loneliness, he said.
