Media Release: Age Concern New Zealand
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Age Concern New Zealand meets new Minister for Senior Citizens

Age Concern New Zealand National President Liz Baxendine and Chief Executive Ann Martin met with the Hon Craig Foss at Parliament yesterday afternoon.

Mrs Baxendine says the meeting was a chance to alert the Minister to issues affecting older people ahead of the 2011 general election.

“Older people have told us their top four concerns are: ageist attitudes; social isolation and loneliness, being able to afford the basics and getting the care they need.”

These concerns are outlined in a briefing paper presented to Minister Foss by Age Concern.

Mrs Baxendine says Minister Foss agrees to take every opportunity to promote the fact that older people are important members of families.

“Elder abuse must stop. We would like Minister Foss to spread the word, be alert to the risks inherent in the Community Response Model and support Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services.”

Loneliness is also huge health and social issue for older people.

“More than 40,000 older New Zealanders are severely and chronically lonely. We would like this Government to direct DHBs to better respond to the needs of older people in their community and to adequately and sustainably fund interventions that address loneliness and social isolation.

“Age Concern runs a very successful Accredited Visiting Service but more funding is required.”

Some older people can’t afford to eat well, keep warm or visit their doctor. Age Concern is calling for the Government to do more to help older people in hardship.

Age Concern serves the needs of older people, koroua and kuia through a national office and a nationwide network of 33 members, branches and associates providing services information and support to older people in response to local needs. Age Concern takes every opportunity to work towards its vision of an inclusive society where older people are respected, valued, supported and empowered.

ENDS

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