Age Concern Hosts Meeting For Action On Positive Ageing

Over 100 key opinion leaders from the voluntary, business, local government, health and government sectors join together in a Forum hosted by Age Concern New Zealand this Wednesday, in Wellington. The Forum, funded by the Ministry of Social Policy, will contribute towards the development of New Zealand’s Positive Ageing Strategy. The participants will work to develop “points for action” on how different parts of society can contribute to positive ageing in policy and in practice.

Age Concern has been advocating for some time about the need to develop a New Zealand Plan on Ageing, having been involved in the development of the United Nations “Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific”. The Macau Plan set a platform for ageing in the 21st century with a focus on working to develop “A Society for All Ages.” Age Concern has welcomed the Government’s commitment to the development of a Positive Ageing Strategy for New Zealand.

“An ageing population affects all parts of our society, but does not have to be an economic burden, nor is it something to be afraid of,” said Claire Austin, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive. “However, it is important to look to the future. People, needs and markets will change.

“The Forum is also an opportunity to identify future areas for action and collaboration across all sectors of New Zealand. For example, we need flexible employment policies, universal planning and design for housing, transport, lifestyle and leisure.

“We can take a fresh and exciting approach to business, relationships, environment, our health and our lifestyle – so that all generations have the opportunity to age well and participate in society in ways that they choose,” Ms Austin said.

ENDS

Age Concern is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation working to promote the well-being and quality of life of older people in New Zealand, since 1948. http://www.ageconcern.org.nz

For further information please contact: Claire Austin, Chief Executive, (wk) 04-471 2709 or (mobile) 025 243 6991 or Dr Margaret Guthrie, National President (hm) 04-233 9016

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