Position statements

Recognise that ageism is a human rights issue. It is a pervasive and harmful force underpinning much of the commentary on older people and ageing, and that this narrative must be actively challenged and changed.

Age Concern:

• calls for all government and public agencies to use an ageism lens when developing policy, making funding decisions, developing communications and accountability. 
• urges the Ministry of Education to ensure that education resources consistently reflect the diversity of older New Zealanders positively and accurately.
• calls on the media to adopt age-positive reporting practices that challenge stereotypes and fairly represent older New Zealanders.  To enable this, we recommend the use of tools such as the Age Friendly Media Guide developed by the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
• will be a leading voice in actively promoting and celebrating ageing and we commit to a role in education to recognise ageism, challenge it where we see it, and work to overcome stigma in order to reduce the prevalence of ageism. 

Recognise that Aotearoa New Zealand is in a long-term housing crisis and urgent reform is needed along with cross party housing policies to ensure that renting or home ownership is viable for all, across generations.   

Age Concern:

• advocates for mandatory universal design and age-friendly building standards to future proof the housing system.
• calls for Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers to alter and grow their stock of affordable, secure, accessible, climate resilient, and healthy housing to meet the needs of older people, now and in the future.
• advocates for a review of the asset threshold for the accommodation supplement and other additional financial supports to recognise the disproportionate housing costs in relation to income for older people on a fixed income.  
• calls for better local planning through the Minister of Local Government and the Minister for Building and Housing to compel local and territorial authorities to ensure that communities are planned, supported, and developed to enable older people to age in place. This to include:
  • a wide range of housing options and models including secure renting or home ownership
  • housing models that reflect Aotearoa’s cultural diversity
  • co-housing, collective and co-operative housing models that encourage connection through shared spaces
  • options to support landlords to make homes age-friendly
  • access to services and public transport
  • easy access to nature and green spaces
  • shelter, seating, and good lighting in indoor and outdoor public spaces
  • spaces that bring people together and create coherent, caring communities

Recognise that many older people live on fixed incomes with little opportunity to increase their income to meet rising costs.

Age Concern

• calls for a cross-party agreement on and commitment to superannuation and KiwiSaver policies to ensure that current and future generations can have confidence and security in their financial planning and decisions.
• advocates for the following changes to KiwiSaver settings:
  • mandate employer contributions for workers over 65
  • abolish total remuneration contracts
  • increase targeted Government KiwiSaver contributions for low-income earners.
• advocates for 65 to remain the universal eligibility age for NZ Superannuation.
• calls for a review of supplementary assistance to ensure it is fit for purpose to reduce hardship with housing costs – this includes the accommodation supplement thresholds and settings for rates rebates.  
• advocates for lifelong financial literacy programmes and supports the efforts of the Retirement Commission and others to educate and enable all New Zealanders to save and prepare for retirement with a focus on equitable outcomes for women, Māori, and Pacific people.

Recognise that reducing the impact of loneliness and social isolation on individuals and communities requires investment in proven interventions, resourcing of community transport options and education on the health impacts and risks.  

Age Concern:

• advocates for public health messaging on the importance of staying socially connected, particularly for older New Zealanders.
• calls for an increase in funding for Age Concern social connection services that combat loneliness and increase social connection for older people.
• advocates for alternative options as part of the transition to digital and teleservices to ensure people can engage in services and information in the way and the place that meets their needs.
• advocates for a review of community transport funding to ensure that access to transport supports engagement in local communities and activities.

Recognise that a long-term cross-party strategy is needed for health services to ensure the right care at the right time and in the right place. 

Age Concern

• urges the government to prioritise preventative health. We call for increased, dedicated funding for preventive health measures to enable older people to “stay well and age well in communities.” We advocate for sustained investment in proven community-based programmes such as “Steady as You Go ©” strength and balance programmes, visiting services, nutrition education initiatives, and improved access to immunisation. 
• supports the call from the Aotearoa New Zealand Decade of Healthy Ageing Pledges for the implementation of proactive health checks from age 65 – hearing, sight, dental, bone health, cognition etc.
• calls for greater investment in both home-based support services and aged care beds to ensure seamless and sustainable packages of care for those who need them.  This includes timely access and options for those on low incomes.
• advocates for a continuum of care that enables older people and their whānau to remain safe, supported, and well—whether at home, in respite, or in long-term care. Ensuring respite care services remain essential to relieve pressure on family/whānau carers, prevent burnout, and delay unnecessary entry into residential care.
• calls for dedicated funding for Age Concern navigators/community connectors to be in place throughout New Zealand, including rural areas, to support the increasing number of older people who may need assistance to navigate the wider health and community systems. 

Recognise the need for investment in all aspects of Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services – education, intervention, community support

Age Concern:

• advocates for clear recognition of the definition of elder abuse, which includes neglect and self-neglect, and is reflected in relevant legislation.
• calls for a review of the Crimes Act and Family Violence Act to ensure that the criminal and harmful aspects of elder abuse are recognised and that subsequently funding from the Proceeds of Crime Fund is considered as a source for education programmes.
• calls for investment in cross-generational public education/awareness raising with a focus on the human rights, choices, and the needs of older people.
• calls for investment in community and workforce education to grow/increase understanding of all forms of elder abuse, including specific programmes about Enduring Powers of Attorney and Welfare Guardians.
• Age Concern advocates for the provision of holistic community social services to help prevent elder abuse and neglect, increase safety and support recovery after harm. This includes the ability to access legal support, especially in complex situations.