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

Priority areas for action

Priority area one: Access

Goal one: Auckland city becomes more physically accessible

Goal two: Older people have easy access to all council information

This area encompasses a number of issues such as physical accessibility to buildings and open space, access to transport options as well as access to information.

Priority area two: Safety

Goal one: Safety of neighbourhoods and the home are improved through working with local communities and stakeholders

This area is concerned with safety from injuries, as well as actual and perceived safety from crime. For many older people concerns about safety from crime and injuries may influence whether or not they chose to age in their local communities and homes. Safety was also identified as one of the key community outcomes in the Council's Long-term Plan 2006-2016. This goal aims to address both aspects of safety.

Priority area three: Participation and socialising

Goal one: There is a wide range of opportunities for older people to participate in Auckland city

Participation and socialising are key factors in the wellbeing of older people. Opportunities for participation can take many forms, including learning and developing, sharing skills and knowledge and having an active civic voice. Promoting and furthering opportunities for older people to participate, including participation in decision-making, and to socialise is essential to ensuring that older people can contribute to and partake in Auckland city's life. Further, participation and socialising ensures that older people are connected to community life, other people and places.

Priority area four: A culture that values older people and the important role they play in society

Goal one: Raise the awareness of and responsiveness to the varied needs and aspirations of older people among the public, council, community agencies and businesses.

Goal two: Celebrating the diversity of ageing experiences

Ageing is often portrayed negatively. Some examples include frailty, increased dependence, lack or loss of productivity and contribution to communities. Similarly, older people are often perceived as a homogenous group and consequently their diverse needs are not adequately addressed.

Negative as well as one-dimensional perceptions combined with the lack of awareness around the diverse needs, concerns and aspirations of older people can limit opportunities for participation, undermine communities and negatively affect the wellbeing of older people.

Recognising and valuing older people for their diverse experiences, wisdom, knowledge and contribution is an important element of healthy and strong communities. Cherishing the diversity of Auckland city's older population reflects how well we cherish the diversity of the population at large

Promoting positive attitudes and dispelling negative stereotypes of older people and ensuring that the diverse needs of this group are considered vital for the promotion of inclusive communities and the improvement of older people's wellbeing.

Published May 2007