Society Must Not Class All Older People As One Group

People over 65 years of age must not be lumped into one group by society, according to Tauranga public policy consultant Adrienne von Tunzelmann.

Ms von Tunzelmann, who has just been appointed to the national board of Age Concern New Zealand, said between 65 and 105-years-old, there is an “incredible range of situations”.

“That’s a huge age spread - the same as a newborn baby to a 40-year-old - so why do we class those 65 and up as one group?” she said.

“Also, the services which people aged around 65 may require are completely different to those needed by the very old.”

Ms von Tunzelmann said the issue of services for the range of older people is becoming increasingly important, as is the legislation and policies behind them.

“How society looks after older people is always an important issue, but with the awareness of an ageing population, demographically, it is a critical time for how New Zealand responds, particularly through Government and its policies which affect older people, and through the role of the non-profit social and community sector,” she said.

“Age Concern New Zealand is well-informed and has the capacity to provide research-based input to inform Government regarding policy, funding and services and how to manage an ageing population. It genuinely can make a difference.”

Ms von Tunzelmann will be one of nine board members to help govern the non-profit organisation which informs and advises on older people’s rights and wellbeing, and provides services including accredited visiting and support, elder abuse and neglect prevention work, and health promotion.

There are three other new board members, who include Jennie Michel of North Shore City, Robert Aitken of Dunedin and David Swallow of Kapiti.

“Another great strength of Age Concern is the combination of a strong national office and a network of Age Concern local organisations throughout the country,” Ms von Tunzelmann said.

“Information flows both ways and the experience of those working on the ground in local communities should be an important ingredient in how policy at national level is developed.”

Originally from Christchurch, Ms von Tunzelmann has spent 25 years in senior management in both social and economic policy, as well as law reform and legislation in Government and within Parliament.

However, she said moving from Wellington to Tauranga in 2001 gave her fresh perspectives on a more local and regional level and opportunity to develop her involvement in community affairs, particularly in not-for-profit organisations.

“I am constantly in awe of the capacity of community organisations to survive and succeed even with limited resources.”

Ms von Tunzelmann joined Age Concern Tauranga’s board a year ago, following a past involvement with the organisation through its services to her late parents.

She said her work with Age Concern Tauranga has been “extremely rewarding” and she is now excited by the opportunity to contribute at national board level.

Ms von Tunzelmann’s previous board positions include Pharmac and the Bay of Plenty Community Trust. She is past-president of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and a former chairperson of the New Zealand  Women’s Refuge Foundation. She currently sits on the council of Whakatane-based Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and also the University of Waikato Foundation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media