Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

A day to remember our duty to look after our senior citizens

This Wednesday – a day to remember our duty to look after our senior citizens

Human Rights Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue says International Day of the Older Person (1 October) is a United Nations day to celebrate our senior citizens, but also acknowledge the need to protect our kaumatua, or older people from abuse and neglect.

Statistics New Zealand estimates the proportion of New Zealanders being over 65 years climbing from 14 percent up to 23 percent by 2036, and up to 26 percent in 2061.

“From a human rights perspective, clearly local and central government policy development must include specific consideration of our ageing population and their right to a decent standard of living and protection from harm,” Dr Blue said.

“Over 21 percent of over 65 year olds continue to work. Over 30 percent are volunteers, and the majority live independent productive lives. While clearly our senior citizens are valuable contributors to our society and economy, sadly, elder abuse in New Zealand is a growing and serious concern.

“Seventy five percent of abuse of elderly people comes from a family member and can range from neglect, physical and psychological abuse, to financial abuse. Like family violence, there is often deep shame by the victim in admitting what is happening, particularly when it is financial abuse by a family member.

“Our older citizens are often so trusting but can be taken advantage of. Today we ask New Zealanders to check-in on the older ones in the neighbourhood and not assume that they are living in an abuse free environment,” Dr Blue said.

Dr Jackie Blue is leading the Human Rights Commission’s work on violence and abuse. The Commission supports the work of Age Concern. Anyone can contact them on (04) 801 9338 about their own wellbeing as an older person, or if they are concerned about an older person’s wellbeing.

Ends.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.