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The Government’s Better Late Life plan is a new strategy to shape the policies needed to help older Kiwis live well, says Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin.
She says within the next decade, there will be one million seniors, and a quarter of the population will be aged 65 and over by 2034.
The new strategy covers five areas – financial security, improving access to services, providing housing choices, enhancing opportunities for social connection and accessibility within built environments.
Currently, the plan primarily serves to signal what the priorities are for examination by the Government, but a more concrete plan with actionable items is slated for 2021.
The draft strategy points to potential initiatives that might be first on the agenda, including reform of the Residential Tenancies Act 1989 to improve security and stability of tenure for the elderly.
The plan also mentions establishing a cross-government working group to improve housing options for older people with disability-friendly homes.
It further suggests reducing barriers for elderly in employment by using the state sector as a role model for good practice when it comes to an ageing workforce.
“An interesting concept that came up in consultation was ditching the word ‘retirement,’ because so many older people don’t. They do a lot of valuable paid and unpaid work,” Ms Martin says.
“We need to ensure there is flexibility from employers that recognises the value of older workers, but also that many won’t want to work 40-hour weeks.”
In addition to devising the strategy, New Zealand has signed up to the World Health Organisation’s ‘age-friendly communities’ initiative that seeks to form a network of cities that factor the elderly into wider planning.
So far, New Plymouth and Hamilton have achieved accreditation, while Auckland and Nelson City Councils have indicated they are working to join the network.
“To work properly, it requires the involvement of central and local government, business, and the NGO and community sector,” Ms Martin says.
“In practical terms, it’s things like having parking that allows people to get to town and shops, having places for people to sit and meet and having safe footpaths.”
Ms Martin encourages local groups in North Rodney who have an idea to improve accessibility for elders to apply for a Community Connects grant from the Office of Seniors.
“These are one-off grants of up to $15,000 to fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life.”
Eight of these grants were made nationally in June and there will be another round later this year.
Info: superseniors.msd.govt.nz
