A survey of older people in Auckland found a majority are lonely and many are discriminated against because of their age.
Auckland Council has analysed results relating to its region from the New Zealand Longitudinal study of ageing, which surveyed more 3317 people aged 50 to 84.
Its report draws on an Auckland sample of 707 people and found more than half were lonely and 9% considered themselves severely or very severely lonely.
About 40% of those surveyed said they were discriminated against, with age being the most common reason.
Drinking too much alcohol was widespread, with 61.4% considered hazardous drinkers, having more than the recommended maximum of three drinks a day.
More than a fifth reported suffering depression, with higher rates in women than men.
The report also found that more than 16% of those studied were living below the poverty line.
