12 Apr 2019

Consultation opens on govt strategy for aging population

4:38 pm on 12 April 2019

Seniors Minister Tracey Martin opened a consultation to a new strategy that is going to "help older New Zealanders live well".

16096966 - senior man is walking the dog at the beach

Photo: 123RF

The draft strategy, Better Later Life - He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034, has been designed to ensure New Zealand is prepared for and makes the most of our aging population.

The strategy incorporates feedback from nationwide consultation last year about what people what for the future.

The key areas of the strategy are supporting seniors in the workforce and how business can better recruit and retain older people; and promoting housing options appropriate for older people, Ms Martin said.

"Like the rest of the developed world, New Zealand has an ageing population," she said.

"That's great news in that most of us are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. But also means there are some things we have to consider and prepare for as a country."

The submission closes on 3 June, and the officials will finalise the strategy and an action plan for launch later this year.