Above image from Ministry of Health NZ
October 1 was the United Nations’ celebrated annual “International Day of Older Persons.”
The day, which now has 30 years of history, becomes more relevant as the World witnesses the accelerating trend of people living longer and also on a path to outnumber young people:
The year 2020 was the scheduled moment when humans aged over 60, outnumbered those aged under 5 years, for the first time.
Gradually, the World is becoming more sensitive to what this means for the World and individual countries.
In New Zealand, calls for a shift in attitude towards older people are increasing.
Dr Diana Amundsen, a lecturer and researcher in the School of Education at the University of Waikato, is among them.
Recently, she was quoted in Stuff News:
“In 2021 opportunities for older people to pursue fulfilment are sometimes overshadowed by emphasis on caring for their physical and mental capabilities and providing support from the home, the community and the broader society.”
“We should be treating ageing as an opportunity for people to thrive.”
“Care and support are vital for healthy ageing but do not necessarily ensure that older people move towards the full development of their potential. Likewise, providing recreational, leisure and socialising experiences are helpful, but may not awaken and nourish potential”.
“Policies involving older people have largely been framed around the disease model that promotes interventions designed to avoid, screen for, treat and rehabilitate from disease or infirmity. By contrast, the wellness model promotes interventions designed to move beyond disease and enhance wellbeing”.
“Transition to a person’s “third-age” can be a time of great opportunity and growth, and an exclusive focus on disabilities and deficits will greatly limits development of their potential.”
