Hamilton aims to be age-friendly city

Hamilton is to become the first New Zealand city to join the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly Network.

At its Strategy and Policy Committee meeting today, Hamilton City Council voted in support of an Older Persons Advisory Panel recommendation Hamilton joins the World Health Organisation's Global Age Friendly Network. The network currently includes 287 cities and communities in 33 countries, covering more than 113 million people worldwide. Age Friendly is about hearing the voice of the older person and incorporating their views into the community through cross-sector and collaborative projects.

Councillor Angela O’Leary, Chair of the Strategy and Policy Committee says it makes good sense for the Council to support a collaborative plan for older people.

"Like many cities across the world, we have an ageing population and as a Council we have an important obligation to meet those residents' needs," Cr O'Leary says.

"The Council already provides support to our community's older residents through Council’s Older Person's Plan, and joining the Age Friendly network enhances that commitment."


Photo courtesy of Hamilton City Council

Hamilton’s application has also received support from key older persons agencies in Hamilton, including Age Concern, Grey Power and Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust. There is also support from the Minister for Seniors, Maggie Barry.

Peggy Koopman-Boyden, Chair of Hamilton’s Older Persons Advisory Panel and a university academic specialising in gerontology, says it is important to address the needs for Hamilton’s Older People through collaborative efforts.

"We have found that what is good for older people is good for everyone," she says. "Joining the Global Age Friendly Network will give Hamilton a set of ideas about being age friendly."

An Age Friendly Steering Group will now be formed from key community leaders and an Age Friendly Plan developed that is responsive to the needs of older people in Hamilton.