Leaders with experience working with older people will take part in an Auckland Conversation on how the council and partners can help make Auckland an age-friendly city.
Auckland’s older population – those aged over 65 years – is growing faster than any other age group.
The Auckland Conversation (5pm-7pm 13 June, Crowne Plaza Hotel) will hear experts share their ideas on ways to maintain the active participation of older people in the community, helping them retain a sense of wellbeing and self-respect.
Sir Bob Harvey, former six-term mayor of Waitakere City and formerly Auckland’s champion for international investment, will chair a panel of four experts with a range of personal and professional experience.
The objective is to assist the council in preparing an age-friendly action plan for the city prior to applying for membership of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities.
The plan will demonstrate how Auckland can become a friendly and inclusive city, where everyone can participate and contribute to the community.
Sir Bob has special views on how older Aucklanders can continue to keep active and involved in their later years.
“Ageing need not be a problem. In a city such as Auckland, it can be a joy. My advice is to dodge retirement, keep active all your life, walk, exercise, keep your body and mind active.
“A long, sustainable life is now more than possible, and the stats are on our side. If you can reach 70 in reasonably good health you will get to 80 and beyond. The secret is exercising and mental wellbeing,” he says.
"The outdoors in the Waitakere Ranges and in our parks and glorious beaches are not the prerogatives of the young, they belong to a generation of older adults, but I feel you have to banish the words old, ageing and elderly – don’t use them or let those around you tie them to you. Remind your family and friends that 70 is the new 50 and 80 is the new 60.
“You won’t live forever but you sure will enjoy your later years,” he says.
Register and have your say
Visit the Auckland Conversations website for more information and to register to attend.
To have your say on creating an age-friendly Auckland or to attend a series of daytime workshops visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay
