International day celebrates older folk

Monday, October 1 will be the International Day of Older Persons. How did this day come about?

In 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as this day, and it was first celebrated on October 1, 1991. The theme for this year is Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions.

In some ways it is a bit sad that we need to be reminded to actually celebrate older age because we all age. That said, my focus then goes back to another United Nations document — this time the World Health Organisation’s Checklist of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. I have written about it before — not only because Ka¯ piti shares the same high demographic re over 65s with Thames Coromandel, but also because this group does make a huge contribution to society. As health care improves, people are living longer and healthier lives, and nearly a quarter of this group are still in employment. It is predicted that by 2031 12 per cent of the total workforce will be over 65.

Thinking about this, I am also reminded that all residents in Ka¯ piti share the same facilities and environment. This is where the WHO Checklist of Essential Features of Age Friendly Cities becomes very relevant. If I start with public places, the New Zealand Standards document (4121:2001) recommends that when disabled people park their vehicles the entire pathway from there to their destination should be able to negotiated easily as there will be access ramps, no steps, doorways wide enough to allow easy entry for those in wheelchairs and lift control buttons, etc, will be at a suitable height. We would all benefit if this document was followed.

Another aspect. Our homes. I have friends approaching retirement who are looking to downsize, but are having difficulty finding a suitably sized home and section that will cater for them no matter what difficulties may evolve as they age. If only all homes were built with these issues in mind what a huge difference this would make. It becomes a matter of doing it once and doing it right. An example — showers would never be installed over a bath, because to adapt a bathroom to be all user friendly would be expensive.

The Older Persons’ Council meets in council chambers on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm. We’d love to see you there.