Age Concern New Zealand Media Release embargoed until Monday 1 October 2007

Older people celebrating! Or are they?

Monday 1 October is International Day of Older Persons. It’s a day to celebrate the place of older people in our society. But it’s also a day to take stock, says Age Concern New Zealand.

"After six years, there has been some progress but too many of the goals of the Positive Ageing Strategy and the Health of Older People Strategy have yet to be achieved," national president Jill Williams says.

Age Concern New Zealand has released new information to mark the International Day. It shows New Zealand seniors still have a long way to go: unmet needs, elder abuse, and lack of respect remain a daily reality for many older people.

"What older people really want and need is respect” Jill Williams says. Without respect, hardship and suffering are free to grow.

A new Age Concern report on elder abuse and neglect, Challenges for the Future, shows where a lack of respect can lead. Every week at least another two older New Zealanders are abused or neglected. This abuse is physical, psychological and financial.

A companion manifesto, Towards a Positive Future, is also being distributed to mark the day. In it, Age Concern states its position on problems older people are facing.

Age Concern New Zealand is calling for government to turn the goals of the Positive Ageing Strategy and the Health of Older People Strategy into a reality for all older New Zealanders.

"Everyone has a role," Jill Williams says. "We want every New Zealander to understand that respect lies at the heart of a positive future for us all."

ENDS

© Scoop Media