Why those who are old are gold

Wendy Hoskin is the general manager of the Enliven health and disability service, part of Presbyterian Support Northern.

OPINION: As one octogenarian musician once wrote, the times they are a-changin’ – and changing they certainly are, especially if you’re an older person living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bob Dylan wrote that song more than 50 years ago, and like many beyond retirement age, he’s still working, still touring and still thriving, now at 84. 

In a society that often celebrates youth, innovation and risk-taking, it’s vital we recognise the immense value older people bring. They are a powerful source of wisdom, resilience and contribution – economically, structurally and culturally.

Older people are the keepers of our stories. They’ve lived through decades of change and transformation. Their insights into what’s worked and what hasn’t are vital for guiding the future and avoiding the mistakes of the past.

According to the 2023 census, 44% of people aged 65-69 are still working. Among 70- to 74-year-olds, nearly 25% remain employed, and among those 75 and over almost 10% remain so. These individuals bring institutional knowledge, continuity, and a strong work ethic to the workforce.

Beyond paid work, older people provide essential unpaid labour through caring for grandchildren, partners, and adult children with disabilities. Though often invisible in economic calculations, this labour underpins how our families and communities function.

While there's no specific figure for the value of elderly volunteers alone, they contribute significantly to the estimated $4 billion in unpaid labour in the non-profit sector and to the broader $41.4b in unpaid care work nationwide.

Older volunteers often give more time than any other age group, helping to build connected and resilient communities.

Culturally, kaumātua are central in Māori communities, guiding tikanga and passing on language and leadership. Across all cultures, older people serve as emotional anchors – the heart of families and communities.

Yet, despite their contributions, older people often face ageism and marginalisation. Look around: ageism is everywhere. Harmful stereotypes portray older adults as dependent, weak, forgetful or out of touch with technology.

This narrative must change. Older people are fully capable of making decisions about their lives. Ageing is not decline; it is a phase rich with potential, purpose and pride.

In the health and disability sector, older people push us to think differently. They show us that services must be not only accessible but empowering and designed to uphold dignity, autonomy and choice. At Enliven, we’re privileged to work alongside older people redefining what it means to age well.

With fewer young people in the population, we also face workforce challenges in supporting our seniors. This makes valuing and including older people even more urgent.

As we look ahead, let’s not just include older people – let’s centre them. Their value lies not in what they used to do, but in what they continue to give every day. They are our teachers, caregivers, leaders and friends.

Now is the time to act. Ask yourself: What am I doing to ensure older people feel seen, heard, and respected? When we uplift our elders, we strengthen the heart of our nation.

Key Points:

1: People who have lived through decades of change and transformation have vital insights to offer, writes Wendy Hoskin.

2: Wendy Hoskin: “Despite their contributions, older people often face ageism and marginalisation.”

3: According to the 2023 census, 44% of people aged 65-69 are still working.

Author: Wendy Hoskin | Republished from The Post : https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360877097/why-those-who-are-old-are-gold