New Zealand will be ‘super-aged’ within a decade. Are our cities ready?

New Zealand is set to become a "super-aged" society within a decade, with over 1.2 million residents aged 65 or older. This demographic shift has prompted much discussion around its implications for retirement funds, healthcare, aged care, and the labor force. However, another crucial aspect to consider is that over 95% of New Zealanders over 65 currently reside in private homes, highlighting the importance of preparing our homes, streets, and neighborhoods for an aging population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a framework to make communities more suitable for older individuals, encompassing aspects such as street design, transportation, housing, social engagement, civic life, and healthcare services. Despite this framework's international adoption by 1,829 cities representing more than 400 million people since 2010, New Zealand has been slower in embracing it.

Only eight communities, including Auckland, Hamilton, and Napier, have formally committed to the international framework. Progress among these communities has also been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of age-friendly initiatives.

While the framework focuses on making communities more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, New Zealand has been relatively slow to implement these changes. Policymakers and urban planners need to prioritize measurable targets and create opportunities for intergenerational interaction and community engagement. By doing so, we can transform our cities into inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of all residents, regardless of age, thereby ensuring a more prosperous and connected future for New Zealand.