Age Concern Auckland’s Breaking Barriers research report aims to highlight and address the persistent challenges faced by older adults, particularly those related to isolation, accessibility, and discrimination. As New Zealand’s population continues to age, the report offers critical insights into the barriers that hinder older people’s ability to fully participate in society, thus influencing their well-being and quality of life. This report is a comprehensive study that combines quantitative data, qualitative interviews, and case studies to provide a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of seniors in Auckland and Tauranga – major cities on New Zealand’s North Island.

 

The central themes explored in the Breaking Barriers report are social isolation, ageism, health care access, and the underrepresentation of older adults in policy and decision-making processes. It underscores how these barriers, both systemic and social, lead to significant disadvantages, affecting older individuals’ emotional, physical, and mental health. The research indicates that a significant proportion of older Aucklanders experience feelings of loneliness and exclusion, often exacerbated by a lack of accessible transportation, limited social support networks, and an absence of age-friendly infrastructure.

 

The report delves deeply into the issue of ageism, emphasizing how negative stereotypes about aging can impact older adults’ access to opportunities, employment, and social engagement. It highlights how the societal perception of aging often leads to discrimination in various public and private sectors, contributing to a cycle of marginalization for seniors.

 

Moreover, Breaking Barriers presents findings that challenge some of the core assumptions held regarding age friendly environments, including misconceptions concerning the social advantages of retirement villages, digital connectivity and transport independence. The report also identifies gaps in healthcare accessibility, including issues related to affordability, geographic location, and a shortage of services tailored to older individuals.

 

Through interviews and surveys with seniors, the report also emphasizes the importance of empowering older adults to become advocates for their own rights and well-being. It highlights the role of community organizations, like Age Concern Auckland, in helping to bridge the gap between government agencies and the senior population. By offering information, support, and advocacy, these organizations help mitigate some of the negative impacts of isolation and ageism.

 

The report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at breaking down these barriers. These include promoting age-friendly communities, enhancing access to affordable healthcare, and fostering intergenerational understanding to combat ageism. Additionally, it advocates for stronger representation of older adults in public policy discussions and calls for greater public awareness of the importance of social inclusion for seniors.

 

Ultimately, Breaking Barriers aims to serve as both a call to action and a resource for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations working with older people. By drawing attention to the issues that often go unnoticed or unaddressed, the report aspires to inspire meaningful change that will ensure all older Aucklanders can lead fulfilling, dignified lives, free from the barriers of isolation, discrimination, and neglect.

Kevin Lamb – CEO, Age Concern Auckland

 

Kevin Lamb is the Chief Executive Officer of Age Concern Auckland, a role he has held with passion and commitment to improving the lives of older adults in New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city. Under Kevin’s leadership, Age Concern Auckland has placed a strong emphasis on supporting Auckland’s ethnically diverse communities, recognizing the unique challenges that different cultural groups face in aging.

 

With a background in both community development and senior advocacy, Kevin has worked tirelessly to ensure that Age Concern Auckland’s services are culturally inclusive and responsive to the needs of Māori, Pacific, Asian, and other ethnic communities. He has spearheaded initiatives aimed at breaking down cultural and language barriers, ensuring that older adults from all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to live fulfilling and independent lives.

 

Kevin’s focus on cultural competency has led to the establishment of outreach programs, bilingual services, and culturally tailored health and social initiatives that promote inclusion and combat isolation. His leadership has not only strengthened Age Concern Auckland’s impact within ethnic communities but also helped raise awareness of the importance of culturally sensitive aging services in New Zealand. Through his work, Kevin continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of Auckland’s diverse senior population.