‘We pledge…’ – five commitments for a healthier future for older New Zealanders

A powerful new advocacy tool to promote transformational change in healthy ageing policy is about to be launched by the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing | He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tāngata.

The National Forum is finalising a unique ‘Pledge Card’ that addresses issues affecting older people’s wellbeing, which is designed to support National Forum members in their engagement with policymakers, central and local government leaders, and political candidates throughout the coming year. The Pledge Card was selected as the advocacy tool of choice as it provides a clear tangible commitment, is measurable and builds momentum from the ground up.

The Pledge Card outlines five key commitments that draw on the latest research commissioned by the National Forum from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER). Entitled ‘Longer, Better, More Sustainable Lives – Five Priority Areas for Investment in 2025’, the report presents a compelling evidence base and rationale for a National Forum budget response to Government and outlines a range of cost-effective solutions to inform future budgets, which would help people live well for longer.

The five Pledge Card commitments aim to elevate older people’s issues on the political agenda by promoting:

• Smarter, more effective use of disaggregated data to drive systemic change
• Housing as a foundation for healthy longevity
• Planning for longevity/longer lives across all domains of wellbeing – not just retirement
• Integrated care systems to support later-life independence
• Targeted, specialist support for those with complex health needs.

Designed to be practical, persuasive and grounded in evidence, the Pledge Card will help unify and amplify advocacy efforts across the National Forum’s diverse membership base and networks.

Watch this space – the Pledge Card and accompanying resources will be available soon and will help inform the national dialogue on reshaping the future of ageing in Aotearoa New Zealand.