Media Release

Age Concern New Zealand

1 October 2012

Age Concern New Zealand Celebrates International Day of Older Persons

New Zealand’s leading organization for older people will celebrate International Day of Older Persons at high tea awards ceremony and campaign launch being held today in Wellington.

Age Concern New Zealand President, Evelyn Weir says the campaign will highlight the need for older people to be valued.

“Dignity and respect are at the heart of all the work we do in serving the needs of older people. We’re calling for New Zealanders from all walks of life to become Dignity Champions and help us challenge attitudes and behaviours which devalue older people.

“A lack of respect can lead to a loss of dignity and abuse and neglect of older people. We have seen elder abuse destroy lives, tear families apart and strip older people of their dignity.”

Three awards will be presented this afternoon to organization’s or individuals Age Concern recognizes as having championed dignity for older people.

“However, this day is not just about the awards – it’s also about calling all New Zealanders to become Age Concern Dignity Champions.

Mrs Weir says Age Concern Dignity Champions will commit to; rejecting stereotypes about ageing, questioning practices they feel are disrespectful to older people and having zero tolerance for abuse or neglect.

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