Ageing outrageously

Green MP Mike Ward will mark the United Nations International Day of Older People tomorrow by making a plea for people to recognise and celebrate those who grow old with flair - or outrageous agers.

Ward has made a name for himself out of parliament as an artist, a veteran athlete with a penchant for the unusually long and gruelling multi sport events, and in parliament for waiting until he reached 60 to get there.

"It is past time we made a fuss of the many New Zealanders who grow old with flair. These are the folk in our community who have discovered through experience what really matters in life and are determined not to waste a second of it."

Mr Ward said their commitment to community and living made for ideal role models.

"We need to make sure we keep these people out in the community where their example can be seen," he said.

"These people are an inspiration and the unfortunate tendency to isolate older people and remove them from our neighbourhoods undermines what ought to be the richest of societies influences."

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