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

Currently, council supports organising an event on a yearly basis to celebrate the International day for older people. Through the implementation of the new actions outlined below, council will further its commitment to ensuring that older people are enabled to partake in Auckland city life by fostering an older people-friendly culture.

New actions

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

Rationale: Promoting positive attitudes and dispelling negative stereotypes of older people is essential for the promotion of inclusive communities and the improvement of older people's wellbeing.

Performance measure: The responsiveness to the varied needs and aspirations of older people is increased and reflected in the way council and other varied agencies do their work.

4.1.1. Positive media (2006/2007 and ongoing)
Ensure that council's current publications such as City Scene and Citywire promote positive and diverse images of older people. A part of the project will include investigating the feasibility of potential story ideas around older people as a part of the mix to be placed on a regular basis in City Scene.

4.1.2. Establish Council's internal older people's champion network (2006/2007 and ongoing)
Establish an internal champions' network within council to encourage more collaboration and knowledge sharing in the implementation of this plan.

4.1.3. Research on intergenerational perceptions (2006/2007)
Research younger people's perceptions of older people and older people's perception of younger people. This would be used to explore the feasibility of a pilot project dispelling negative stereotypes and promoting understanding and interaction between the generations.

4.1.4. Generations programme (2006/2007 and ongoing)
Facilitate new opportunities for intergenerational interactions This could involve young people interviewing older people in the community or the other way.

Goal two: Celebrating diversity of ageing experiences

Rationale: Celebrating ageing creates an older people's friendly culture as it supports and enhances the sense of worth in older people. It also contributes to more older people participating fully in Auckland's social and cultural life.

Performance measure: Surveys indicate an increase in people's awareness of and participation in the events that celebrate the diversity of ageing experiences.

4.2.1. Celebrating Kaumatua and Kuia (2006/2007 and ongoing)
Facilitate a yearly opportunity for the interaction and sharing of knowledge of older people from a number of different cultures. The event would be led by Tangata Whenua, but would include other cultures as well. The event intends to celebrate ageing whilst reflecting the diversity of Auckland's older population and the unique role of kaumatua and kuia in the New Zealand context.

4.2.2. Supporting events that celebrate ageing (ongoing)
Where appropriate, support events that celebrate older people and their experiences such as 'Growing older and bolder' symposium.

Published May 2007