Living well, aging well

Older age can be one of the most fruitful and challenging periods of our lives. Most people aged over 65 years are healthy and active. All are an important part of our community.

Older people are also a key part of a healthy community. Their contribution to society through voluntary work and passing on knowledge and traditions to younger generations is invaluable and immeasurable. They are guardians of both our past and our future.

We are living longer. As we age, our needs change but our rights to independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity do not.

In the future, older people will make up a larger portion of the population. In the Wairarapa, the proportion of people aged over 65 will rise from the current 14% to 26% in 20 years—30 years ahead of many other areas in New Zealand.

As a community, we need to work faster than the rest of New Zealand to recognise and plan for the needs of our changing mix of population. Already, outreach clinics and health education services to reach people in their own environments are increasing in the Wairarapa. The costs of doctors visits has decreased, and services to help people remain as independent as possible are becoming more of a focus.

Major challenges include reducing and managing high levels of diabetes, respiratory disease and heart disease. Social isolation of older people affects their health and is an ongoing issue. Basic services like transport and housing are important to the health and wellbeing of older people, and a community-wide response is required. It is through this kind of ownership and collaboration that long-term gains will be made.

By working together as a community, we can address the health issues facing our kaumatua / older people so we can all age well and live well throughout our lives.