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

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

All eyes on Rotorua as it leads the way on global stage

24 May 2016

All eyes on Rotorua as it leads the way on global stage

Action is beginning in Rotorua with the first public meeting to discuss an age-friendly and dementia-inclusive city with learnings being shared on a global level.

The Rotorua Lakes Council, Westpac NZ, Alzheimers NZ, Office for Seniors and Bupa will lead the discussion with an estimated 100 people on what changes are needed to become more dementia and age inclusive creating a resilient Rotorua. Combining both age-friendly and dementia inclusivity is unique – which will see Rotorua be the first in New Zealand.

“Dementia is one of New Zealand’s most significant healthcare and social challenges, one that is only going to grow as our population ages. If we are to respond effectively to this challenge, New Zealand must become dementia-friendly, where people with dementia are valued, are able to contribute and participate, and where they feel safe.” said Catherine Hall, Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive.

With ageing populations worldwide and the numbers of people living with dementia set to rise everywhere, but most of all in low and middle income countries[i], dementia truly is a global challenge. 2016 marks a critical stage in the journey towards a future where people understand dementia – currently affecting forty four million people worldwide – including how they can reduce their risk of the disease, and that those living with dementia are able to live well.

Current estimates suggest that around 60,000 kiwis have dementia and that number is expected to increase to around 154,000 by 2050. That is just the tip of the iceberg for everyone of those people there are family and friends also affected by the diagnosis [ii].

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.

Fortunately, the journey has already begun. Faced with the social and economic challenge of ageing populations, and the fact that more people will never fully retire from the workplace or duties of care, we have a global need for a dementia inclusive society.

The Rotorua 2030 goals include a resilient community ... He hāpori pūmanawa- Inclusive, liveable and safe neighbourhoods give us a sense of place; and confidence to be involved and connected. The council believes it requires the whole community’s contributions and efforts- from families and homes, to neighbours in neighbourhoods, to businesses and ensuring our built environment supports people of all abilities.

The Office for Seniors is leading a national programme called Community Connects that supports communities to become age-friendly by working with the people that live there.

Blair McCarthy, Acting Director of the Office for Seniors, says throughout New Zealand local people are considering how they can create environments where people of all ages and abilities are valued, connected and able to participate in their community:

"Becoming age-friendly will help New Zealand to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities posed by our ageing population. With the right planning and support, we can all hope to live and age positively into our later years. We all have an interest in creating the communities we want to be part of."

Professor Graham Stokes, Global Director of Dementia Care at Bupa, an author and clinician who is also an internationally recognised authority on dementia care practice and policy, clarifies the current situation:

“As we address dementia today and also in the future, we need to put the person they are at the centre of their care - treat people living with dementia as unique individuals, understanding who they are, their life story, and the reality in which they are living.”

One of the biggest issues is making dementia relevant and addressing public misconception, fear and stigma. In doing this, the dementia challenge must be seen as relevant to everyone, whether school teacher, employer, carer, managing physician, bank or nurse.

ends

© Scoop Media

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


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... 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.