Positive Ageing in Auckland

Contents | Introduction | Strategic overview | Purpose of the plan | Identified issues and consultation | Priority areas for action | Priority area one | Priority area two | Priority area three | Priority area four | Monitoring and evaluation | Appendix A

Introduction

"Trees grow stronger over the years, rivers wider. Likewise, with age, human beings gain immeasurable depth and breadth of experience and wisdom. That is why older persons should not only be respected and revered; they should be utilised as the rich resource to society that they are."

-United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan

The ageing population of Auckland is increasing and becoming more ethnically diverse. This plan looks at how Auckland City Council can address some key issues for older people as well as how it can guide the council's planning for the shift in the population profile. The plan recognises the positive contributions older people make to the life of the community and aims to maximise the opportunities for older people to contribute to and partake in Auckland life.

Auckland City Council's involvement with older people is broad and varies from issue to issue. Some initiatives Auckland City Council currently undertakes with older people include: Lifelong learning opportunities through our libraries; senior citizen concessions at community facilities such as the Art Gallery and Zoo; library concessions; falls prevention work through the Communities Living Injury Free programme and intergenerational projects to encourage interaction between individuals of different age groups. The council also provides community facilities, which are used by a large number of older people.

The Positive Ageing in Auckland Plan outlines how the council will address some key issues for older people. To achieve the best possible outcomes for older people in the community, effective collaborations between the Council and agencies like Auckland District Health Board, Age Concern, Ministry of Social Development and other community organisations will be critical.

Definition of an 'older' person

To reflect the transitional phase of preparing for retirement as well as the diversity of ageing experiences, the Positive Ageing in Auckland Plan largely focuses on those aged 55 and over.

This benchmark is different to the benchmark of 65 years used by Statistics New Zealand and other government agencies such as Work and Income. While the benchmark at 65 and over has some merit it does not necessarily reflect many factors that significantly influence the experiences of ageing, such as a change in social and economic roles, biological ageing and culture.

For instance, the baby boomer generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) have different needs, abilities and interests from people aged 85 and over. Maori and Pacific Island populations experience critical health issues from an earlier age than other ethnicities (Ministry of Health). Similarly, the different experiences and cultures of some migrants and refugees may contribute to an earlier onset of needs and issues associated with 'an older person'.

Demographic background and projections

Although Auckland city is projected to be the city with the youngest median age in comparison to other places in New Zealand by 2026, it is one of the five leading areas to account for half of the numerical growth in people aged 65+ in New Zealand in the next twenty years.

Figure 1

Territorial authorities with the largest projected numerical increases in the 65+ population, 2001–2026, Medium projection. ¹.

Auckland City's 55+ population is expected to increase from 69,600 (18 per cent of population) in 2001 to 123,400 (23 per cent of local population) in 2021.

1. Statistics New Zealand (2006). Demographic Aspects of New Zealand's Ageing Population.

Published May 2007