New Zealand’s Ageing Popluation Stats

This shift is happening fast, and with it comes big questions:

• How are we currently supporting our aged friends, parents and community members?
• How do we ensure our elders have the palliative and end-of-life care and support they need in the future?
• How do we build communities where everyone takes responsibility for caring for the aged, the dying, the grieving and those providing long-term care?
• How can we allow people to age with dignity, connection, and purpose?
• How do we prepare for the increasing demand for palliative and end-of-life care?

Some initiatives are underway to start thinking about and finding answers to these questions.

Compassionate Communities

At this year’s Compassionate Communities Aotearoa Hui, we’ll bring together carers, health professionals, community leaders, and whānau to share knowledge and build connections as we navigate these questions together. During a collaborative workshop on day two of the hui, you will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and experience to develop a framework for compassionate communities, including planning, resource development, funding and connecting with international partners. Bring your knowledge, your wisdom, your learnings and your passion to create better end-of-life care outcomes for our communities.

WHO Age Friendly Cities

Cities and communities around the world are working towards becoming more age friendly using a model developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Age friendly Aotearoa New Zealand programme is led by the Office for Seniors and provides guidance and support for communities that are exploring or committed to becoming age friendly. It supports the vision of the Better Later Life He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034 strategy, which is “Kia noho ora tonu ngā kaumātua – Older New Zealanders lead valued, connected and fulfilling lives.”