Key Messages
- People aged 65 years and over are a growing proportion of our total population. By 2051, around 1.3 million of all New Zealanders (26%) will be 65 years and older and around one-quarter of these will be over 85 years. We need to be aware that older people now and in the future will be more active, more diverse and better educated than any cohort before them.
- To ensure good outcomes for older New Zealanders, we need to incorporate positive ageing principles into government policy and service delivery.
- Local authorities are demonstrating a keen interest in their older citizens. Extension of the Positive Ageing Strategy to local authorities is enabling older people to participate in their communities as long as they choose.
- An increasing number of people aged 65 years and over are choosing to remain in the workforce. Flexible employment options will encourage other older people to continue working so we can meet the challenge of skill shortages. Longer workforce participation assists older people to enhance financial provision for their older age.
- Programmes to promote responsible savings and planning ahead for life in retirement will help future older New Zealanders to do the things they want to do when they retire.
- Older people are living longer and healthier lives. The biggest increase in numbers is in the group over 85 years and these have higher support needs. We need policies and programmes that link home-based services together so people in later life can live in their own homes and communities as long as they are able.
- While home ownership across the total population is decreasing, older people have significant financial investment in home ownership. Well-regulated home equity conversion schemes could enable older people to use this equity to support their personal financial wellbeing in retirement. Those who have not been able to accumulate assets to provide for themselves in later life will require alternative and responsive housing options.
- We need flexible transport options, linked to support services, to allow all older people to continue to be active in their family and community life.
- There is evidence that older people are sometimes subject to abuse and neglect. Improving enduring powers of attorney legislation will provide greater protection for older people in making provision for managing their finances and welfare when they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves.
