Ageing Well is pleased to announce the release of our Symposium Report that condenses the mahi from our event late last year. At the Symposium, we focused on two of the biggest issues facing New Zealanders as we age: housing and residential aged care.
The nationwide discussion around housing and care has been a hot topic of late, especially within an environment of nursing shortages and closures of aged care facilities in our communities. The symposium explored the issues older people face in terms of housing and aged care, with a particular focus on positive solutions that will enable Aotearoa to meet the rising needs of an ageing population.
“Ageing Well is pleased to prepare the mahi from our Symposium for a wider audience. It was a fantastic event that focused not just on the pressure points, but on potential solutions that can have a significant impact on the way New Zealanders age,” said Ageing Well Director, Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie.
“The concepts and ideas that were raised will continue to be hot-button issues long after the end of our Challenge. This report was designed to ensure these ideas are captured and the conversations can continue,” she added.
“The concepts and ideas that were raised will continue to be hot-button issues long after the end of our Challenge. This report was designed to ensure these ideas are captured and the conversations can continue,” said Professor Parr-Brownlie.
The production of the report was spearheaded by Deputy Director Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu. She referenced the fact the demographic experts predict the number of New Zealanders over the age of 85 to triple by 2048, indicating that Aotearoa faces a significant challenge ahead.
“As the number of older people in Aotearoa continues to increase, it is essential to prepare for the inevitable demand for suitable housing and aged care facilities. By making informed and nuanced decisions about what our older generations need to age well before the demand hits, we will be able to respond effectively and appropriately,” said Associate Professor Ruwhiu.
With such a significant increase in the number of older people in Aotearoa, Ageing Well anticipates the need for caregiving and care facilities to significantly increase.
“However,” continued Associate Professor Ruwhiu, “Ageing is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Our older people deserve to age well in healthy, appropriate housing with care that suits their needs, but what that means for one person will not necessarily be the same for their neighbour,” she said.
Ageing is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Our older people deserve to age well in healthy, appropriate housing with care that suits their needs, but what that means for one person will not necessarily be the same for their neighbour," said Associate Professor Ruwhiu.
Ageing Well invited a number of experts to present to the Symposium audience. These included Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper, Dr Kay Saville-Smith, Rangimahora Reddy, Yvonne Wilson, and Associate Professor Michal Boyd. On behalf of our organisation, Co-Director Professor David Baxter extended thanks once again to those who shared their expertise.
“Ageing Well wishes to thank our speakers for sharing their whakaaro at the Symposium and to help contribute to this report, as well as Hinerangi Edwards who facilitated this mahi,” said Professor Baxter.
Our Symposium report is an important document that will help guide the future response to solving these important issues,” he said.
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