Working toward an age-friendly Waitaki
By Kathryn Bennett & Sharon McGregor
In 2017, the first senior’s survey was undertaken by Stronger Waitaki in conjunction with Grey Power and Age Concern Otago to learn about the barriers, needs, and circumstances of seniors living in our community.
The Stronger Waitaki Coalition decided in 2022 that the time was right to run the survey again, including extra questions directly related to the cost of living and COVID-19.
The survey questions covered:
demographics
transport and mobility
social activity, personal safety
wellbeing and health care
cost of living
and access to information.
You can learn more at www.waitaki.govt.nz/News/Waitaki-Senior-Survey
Waitaki District Council Community Development Coordinator, Yvonne Avis said,
“The comparative data we will be able to get from this survey will be invaluable to help inform future initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of our older people and continue us along the path of creating an age-friendly Waitaki.”
Toward an age-friendly world
The World Health Organization started the global Age-friendly Cities Network in 2006. There are now many countries taking part with hundreds of cities and communities involved.
An age-friendly community:
respects the rights of older people
celebrates older people—including their capacities, resources, lifestyles, and preferences
responds to the growing diversity of older people, for example, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and religion or beliefs
values older people and makes it easier for everyone to participate in community life
connects people across all ages.
This helps older people to:
stay connected with each other
stay active and healthy
live with dignity and enjoyment
feel that they are treated with respect.
An Age-friendly Waitaki—let’s work together to achieve this for our older people.
Get in touch with our Waitaki centre
This article was originally published in the Summer 2022/23 issue of Age Concern Otago Magazine