Decade of Healthy Ageing
The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing
Globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are living longer than ever before. However, longer lives are not yet healthier lives for all.
We have an opportunity to change this. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing is a chance to improve later years for current and future generations. This global collaboration involves governments, communities, business, and media.
The Decade of Healthy Ageing has four action areas:
- Combatting ageism – changing how we think, feel and act towards ageing
- Creating age-friendly environments – enabling older people to participate in and contribute to their communities and society
- Providing integrated care – delivering integrated care and primary health services that are responsive to the needs of the individual
- Ensuring access to long-term care – providing access to long-term care for older people who need it.
The Office for Seniors and the Ministry of Health are advancing work in these four action areas through two key strategies:
Adding life to years
The National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing is a collaboration of more than 20 government agencies, NGOs and researchers.
The Selwyn Foundation provides the backbone for the National Forum and the Office for Seniors is a founding member. Its vision is:
He Oranga Kaumātua – He Oranga Tangata
Striving to build a society where every older person is valued, respected and connected, so they can live a healthy, purposeful and fulfilling life. We commit to fostering an inclusive society for Aotearoa NZ that celebrates diversity and upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Together, we can add quality to quantity and give all people the chance to lead a meaningful life, no matter their age.
The Platform
To support the Decade of Healthy Ageing the World Health Organization has developed The Platform where knowledge relevant to the Decade of Healthy Ageing can be found.
On the Platform you can:
- listen to stories and perspectives of older people
- find resources you can use to improve the lives of older people, their families, and communities
- connect and be part of the growing network of people and organisations
- explore the innovate hub
- check out toolkits and training programmes.
You can access it here decadeofhealthyageing.org.
Want to get involved?
To let us know about the work you are doing to contribute to the Decade of Healthy Ageing email ofs@msd.govt.nz