Community Conversations discuss ageing in Thames and creating a great place for all to grow older

“How will we work together to make a difference to the policy frameworks that will enable us and future generations to age well in our communities?”

This was the question posed by older people from across the Thames-Coromandel district who attended a ‘Community Conversations’ workshop in Thames War Memorial Civic Centre on Wednesday, 11 September.

Organised by the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing | He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tangata, with support from Thames-Coromandel District Council, the discussions highlighted the need for communities to prepare for the complex impact of population ageing, its implications for the workforce, service provision and the local economy, and how to enable people to live healthy lives for longer.

Our communities are ageing for the first time in history, with more people living longer and contributing to society. By 2028, one million New Zealanders will be aged 65 to 100+, increasing to 1.5 million by 2050. Thames-Coromandel district is at the forefront of this demographic shift: 34% of the district’s population is aged 65 and over, significantly higher than the national average of 16.5%.

The Community Conversations session was the first in a series to be held around the country, giving older people an opportunity to focus on what is important for them to maintain their health and wellbeing, and to consider the infrastructure needed to enable economic and social stability as major demographic change occurs. With more older people than children now living in their communities, participants discussed the subsequent effect on healthcare services, housing, public transport, superannuation and the volunteering workforce. Everyone agreed they want to live well for longer, but that the impact of a rapidly ageing society will be immense.

The Community Conversations event is part of a broader initiative led by the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum – a collaboration of leading organisations that provide services for and advocate on behalf of older people and their families/whānau. With key focus areas of combatting ageism and ensuring older people have access to integrated care, the Forum has been established by registered charity The Selwyn Foundation, Office for Seniors and Age Concern New Zealand in response to the global UN Decade of Healthy Ageing which is currently underway.

The Selwyn Foundation’s Chief Executive, Denise Cosgrove, attended the Thames session and said: “Today’s workshop has offered a platform for local people to discuss what the ageing of their population means for them, and to encourage residents and service providers to continue the discussions as a community.

“We would like to thank Mayor Len Salt and the team at Thames-Coromandel District Council for supporting this opportunity for meaningful dialogue on population ageing and the implications it has for community planning.

“This is only the beginning and I’m delighted that, as a result of our session today, participants are planning further meetings and to work together with a cross-section of government and council agencies to support local initiatives and policy change that will help promote a longevity economy.

“We’re all in this together, and everyone ages. As a microcosm of society, Thames has a huge opportunity to innovate in this space and to create a vibrant, sustainable community and a great place for everyone to grow older.”