New Zealand has a critical window to help people stay healthy, independent and contributing for longer, reducing avoidable future pressure on health and aged care services, according to a new report commissioned by the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing / He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tangata.
The report, For the Long Run, calls for practical action during the first decade after 65, when people are often still active and able to make changes, but pressures around healthcare, housing, transport and changing income are already emerging. Evidence shows that modest preventive interventions can make a measurable difference, from safer homes reducing injuries to stronger home-based support reducing future demand for residential care.
For the Long Run draws on a survey of nearly 30,000 New Zealanders aged 65 and over, alongside research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), Retirement Commission and others.
The report challenges the idea that an ageing population should be viewed primarily as a cost. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents had contributed through paid work, volunteering, caring, mentoring, helping neighbours or community life in the previous month. NZIER estimates that paid work by New Zealanders aged 65 and over generates almost $9 billion annually, with unpaid work contributing more than $20 billion. Meanwhile, 53 per cent of respondents wanted to contribute more if the right opportunities or support were available.
“Ageing isn’t just a cost for New Zealand to manage. It’s an opportunity to be unlocked. Longer lives are one of New Zealand’s great achievements and older New Zealanders already contribute through work, care, volunteering, mentoring, cultural leadership and community life,” says Denise Cosgrove, Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
“Helping people stay healthy, independent and connected creates value for them, their whānau and the whole country, while reducing avoidable pressure on public services. But that means addressing barriers earlier and ensuring our housing, healthcare, transport, workplaces and support services keep pace with longer lives. Waiting until someone is already in crisis compounds pressures that can develop into more complex, costly needs.”
The report identifies the years from 65 to 74 as the “Decade of Opportunity”, when earlier support can help people protect their health, housing, mobility and connections while they have more choices available. Practical steps include making homes safer and easier to maintain, improving access to preventive healthcare, establishing alternatives to driving and helping people find trusted advice and support. The report finds that a relatively small, low-cost change at the right time can make a lasting difference to people’s independence and wellbeing.
For the Long Run calls on government, councils, businesses, Iwi, health and service providers, and community organisations to commit to five Pledges, to support a stronger, healthier future for older New Zealanders: better data on ageing, secure housing in the community, plan to thrive to 105, community support to stay connected and proactive health checks.
“Ahead of the election, we want political parties to set out how they will help people stay well, contributing and independent before their needs become more complex. The Forum’s Five Pledges provide a practical framework for those commitments,” says Cosgrove.
“New Zealand already has strong services, trusted networks and proven approaches. We need improvements that can build on these, prioritising and extending what works, connecting services more effectively and making support easier to access.
We all have a responsibility to make practical choices earlier. Government, councils, employers, health providers and communities all have levers they can pull, and older New Zealanders themselves want the information and opportunities to act.
“Older New Zealanders are already in it for the long run. Our attitudes, systems, policies and investments need to be in it for the long run for them too.”
Survey findings indicated that barriers across five key areas can make it harder for older New Zealanders to stay well, independent, connected and contributing. Practical changes in these areas can improve lives while reducing avoidable pressure on public services.