Positive Ageing in Auckland

Identified issues and consultation

A number of issues were identified through research and consultation. These included: diversity of the older population, health and wellbeing, opportunities for participation and socialising, transportation options, accessibility, affordability, housing options, safety and negative attitudes towards older people.

Diversity: There are substantial differences in life style, interests, social relationships and the level of functioning between individuals aged 55, 70, 80, 90 and 100 +, as well as across different cultures.

Health and wellbeing: Most people over 55 are fit and healthy. Some, especially 'older' older (80+) become frail and vulnerable or have to live with a chronic illness and may need higher levels of support.

Socialisation and participation: An environment that reduces the isolation of older people, encourages active minds and promotes active participation across a range of activities has been identified through consultation clearly as a key factor in the wellbeing of older people. Opportunities for participation can take many forms, including lifelong learning and developing, sharing skills and knowledge, and civic engagement.

Transportation options: Insufficient access to transportation options is linked with the social isolation of older people as it reduces community participation and access to activities and services. Currently, older adults (60-69) represent 5 per cent of the overall users of public transport within Auckland Region across all modes (bus, train, ferry). For people 70 and over this drops to 2 per cent.

Access: This incorporates access to parks, footpaths, appropriate street furniture, access to buildings and access to information about available programmes and services. More than 50 per cent of people 65+ have some form of impairment². This includes physical, sensory (eg poor eyesight, hearing impairments) and cognitive impairments. In a 2006 Auckland City survey on footpaths, older and disabled people expressed their concern about the safety of footpaths, particularly tripping and falling. They further indicated that accessible footpaths enabled them to maintain their independence, such as going to the local shops, without assistance. Access to parks, street furniture and buildings was also expressed as an issue.

The consultation also indicated that older people's access to activities and services was often restricted by the difficulty to access relevant information.

Affordability: As people grow older their financial resources decrease, which affects their ability to participate fully in the cultural and social life of Auckland city.

Housing options: A supportive home environment is necessary for positive ageing. Inappropriate housing may contribute to various health problems such as falls, dampness, cold, respiratory problems. As the generation of baby boomers ages, there will also be an increase in demand for affordable and varied housing options. A research report on affordable housing³ indicates that over the next ten years the home ownership in Auckland city will grow at a slower rate and that the rented households by people 40 to 64 and 65 and over will increase by 47 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

Safety: Safety is identified as one of the priority areas for older people living in Auckland city and is one of the key community outcomes in Long term Council Community Plan. A survey⁴ conducted in 2005 indicated that, overall, older people (55+) feel less safe than younger people (15-34). While in some instances safety perceptions may not reflect actual crime experience, they none the less affect the quality of life of older people as they may discourage older people from going into the Central Business District (CBD) or getting involved in activities organised in what they perceive as unsafe environments or in the evenings. Falls in the home and outside and motor vehicle related injuries are the leading causes of injury for older people.

Attitudes towards older people: Ageing is often portrayed negatively. Frailty, increased dependence, lack or loss of productivity and contribution to communities are some examples of stereotypes that exist around older people. These attitudes can result in discriminatory behaviours towards older people and contribute to limiting opportunities for older people's participation in the life of the city. Older people are also likely to experience physical, emotional, verbal and financial abuse.

The information gathered has influenced the direction and emphasis of the Positive Ageing in Auckland Plan. These issues have been grouped under four priority areas. Each area has associated goals that link to new initiatives that council will undertake for older people in Auckland City.

For some of these issues, the council will not have a direct provider role, but it will collaborate and advocate on behalf of other key stakeholders working in this area to achieve the best possible outcomes for older people. For example, there is a continued and expanded role for council, to address the affordability of the city in conjunction with other central government agencies (Housing New Zealand), Auckland councils and regional agencies (ARTA) through advocacy and partnership approaches.

2. Statistics New Zealand (2003) Disability counts 2001 report.
3. DTZ Research (June, 2005). Affordable housing data for Auckland City.
4. Auckland City (December, 2005) Auckland City perceptions of safety benchmark survey.

Published May 2007