Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with over 200 ethnic groups calling the city home and Age Concern Auckland plays a vital role in supporting older adults in a diverse, multicultural urban environment. As Auckland’s population becomes increasingly diverse, with a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds, the challenges faced by older adults, and those that support them are ever evolving. Age Concern Auckland is committed to ensuring that older people in the city, regardless of ethnicity, experience access to services, care, and support that cater to their unique needs, providing a range of services and initiatives designed to promote the well-being, independence, and quality of life of older adults, with a particular focus on enhancing social inclusion, combating isolation, and advocating for the rights of older people.

 

One of the central aspects of Age Concern Auckland’s work is its ability to recognize and address the diverse needs of Auckland’s older adult population. The city is home to people from a wide array of ethnic communities, including Māori, Pacific Islanders, Asian, European, African and Middle Eastern populations, each of which has different cultural norms, values, and expectations around aging and care. Age Concern Auckland has worked to build trust within these communities by developing culturally sensitive programs that respect and incorporate diverse cultural practices. By employing staff from different backgrounds and creating partnerships with community leaders, the organization is able to foster better communication, ensure accessibility to services, and ensure that the concerns of minority ethnic groups are heard and addressed.

 

The organisation has also had to fundamentally alter the way in engages with different communities, ensuring that no one is left out. Over the past six years Age Concern Auckland has seen an exponential increase in the number of older people, and their families, reaching out for support – from 100s of interactions to over 100.000 interactions each year. Age Concern Auckland is a strong advocate for systemic change, working to influence policy decisions at the local and national levels to ensure that aging is considered in all areas of public life. Through its advocacy work, the organization has pushed for greater recognition of the diverse needs of older adults in urban settings, particularly in relation to housing, transport, digital literacy, social support and healthcare. Age Concern Auckland is also focused on raising awareness of elder abuse, a significant issue in all communities, and works to provide training and resources to help prevent and address such incidents.

 

In summary, Age Concern Auckland plays an essential role in supporting older adults in an increasingly multicultural environment by recognising and addressing the unique needs of a diverse older population, promoting social inclusion, and advocating for their rights. We would like to share our experiences, good and bad, to assist others operating in a multicultural environment.

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.