Seniors’ support and advocacy group Age Concern is vowing to be more bold and vocal on issues affecting older people in future.
Age Concern NZ national president Wayne Bradshaw said the organisation was changing what it did to reflect the nation’s ageing population, a quarter of whom are now aged 65 or over.
“Our organisation is changing what we do and how we look to better reflect our older population in New Zealand,” he said.
“We are shifting the perceptions of ageing, standing up to ageist attitudes and policy, and focusing on programmes and activities that support dignity, wellbeing and social connections.”
He was speaking at the launch of a new image for Age Concern, which features three huia feathers to reflect the mana – prestige, or authority – of older adults and the leadership role Age Concern takes.
New chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said the charity had changed significantly since it was launched 70 years ago and a refresh was timely, though Age Concern’s core values would not be forgotten.
“Age Concern’s identity had been one of service in the past, with a focus on the concern and serving people’s needs,” she said.
“That is an important part of our history, and still in our DNA, but the changes we are making are about being a bold, progressive and vocal on issues affecting older people and their families.”
The local branch, Age Concern Rodney, is based in Ōrewa and provides a variety of services to seniors from Te Hana and Wellsford down to the Hibiscus Coast, across to Helensville, and everywhere in between. Staff and volunteers provide an elder abuse and neglect prevention service, driver refresher courses, advocacy, information resources, educational workshops, disability equipment hire, a visiting service and social activities.
Karen Billings-Jensen will be guest speaker at Rodney’s annual meeting, which will also be a celebration of the group’s 25th anniversary. The meeting and lunch will be held at St John’s Catholic Church in Centreway, Ōrewa on Friday, August 5 at 10am. All welcome.
