October 01, 2014
Kaumatua incredibly productive
It's Kaumatua Day, the International Day of the Older Person.
Human Rights Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue says with the proportion of New Zealanders over 65 expected to almost double from 14 percent up to 23 percent by 2036, it's important that policymakers consider the ageing
population and their right to a decent standard of living and protection from harm.
She says there is a growing issue of elder abuse in the community, often by family members.
There is also pressure from grandparents bringing up grandchildren, especially among whanau Maori.
Dr Blue says it's important to avoid negative stereotypes.
"The words we use around the older population are 'burden' and 'tsunami of care coming our way'. The vast majority of older people live very productive indepenedent lives, 21 percent of people over 65 still work, that's one of the highest figures in the OECD, and over 30 percent are volunteers so they are hugely productive and they should be relished and treated with respect," she says.
Dr Blue says it's important to review how the workforce is transitioning into retirement, particuarly as many older people may need to keep working if the economy is to continue to grow.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JACKIE BLUE CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjI3MDU=
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