Age Concern welcomes the report on the living standards of older New Zealanders released today.

“The study provides extensive information as regards the social and economic position of older people,” says Garth Taylor, Age Concern New Zealand chief executive. “It reinforces Age Concern’s position regarding the need to ensure affordable adequate housing, the ability to stay warm and a persons right to live with dignity and well being.”

Although the findings give a generally positive picture of older people’s living standards, it also identifies the inadequate standards that 13% of those sampled experience, whilst a further 24% have some income concerns and activity restrictions.

“Age Concern views the report as a step in the right direction, combining both social and economic factors to determine whether adequate standards are being met. This should lead to a better understanding of those barriers preventing all older people from attaining a decent quality of life,” Mr Taylor says.

“Age Concern supports the ongoing nature of this research, in particular the work being undertaken for Maori and Pacific peoples recognising the disparities that exist with these groups. We look forward to these results when completed.”

Noting the complexity and size of the study Age Concern will be conducting further analysis of the research and its findings.

ENDS

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