New policy manager to help make positive change for elderly

New policy manager to help create positive change for older people

The opportunity to influence legislative policies relating to people over 65 has attracted Kathryn Maloney to Age Concern New Zealand.

Ms Maloney is the organisation’s new Policy and Operations manager and says the role “really is a way to help make a positive difference to the lives of older people”.

Previously the research and policy coordinator with the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income, Ms Maloney has also just completed a Masters Degree in Public Policy at Victoria University.

She says Age Concern New Zealand alerts Government and agencies to key issues for older New Zealanders, provides information about what Age Concern is doing to make a positive difference and encourages support for the organisation’s work for older people.

If proposed law changes might affect older people, Age Concern New Zealand makes submissions, such as to select committees for government consultations, or engage relevant Ministers of Parliament or agencies to work toward a solution.

Ms Maloney says Age Concern New Zealand’s recent Briefing to Ministers and Members of Parliament highlights current priority issues for older people. These include elder abuse and ageism, social isolation and loneliness, the cost of healthy living, affordable age-friendly housing, and that care and support is not always delivered with dignity and respect.

She says these are the biggest obstacles to all older people continuing to contribute, and to New Zealand being a country where everyone can grow old with dignity and in good health.

The Briefing provides recommendations to address the issues, in efforts to ensure that all older people live without disability and as active, valued and contributing citizens.

ENDS

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