New Zealand's Ageing Population
It's a common knowledge that Western populations / Industrialized Nations are ageing. My post today was driven by a slight surprise that New Zealand's ageing population will be at 23% (65 and over) from 2036. Details here. This is about 3% more than Australia (percentage-wise). However the bigger concern here is that New Zealand does not have many people as it is. It only as about 4.5 Million people. The media rhetoric for the last 2-3 years is that immigration is being curtailed because there isn't enough provision for housing and services for the new migrants. The Auckland highways are always full at peak hour and traffic leads to loss of productivity.
1. I've found out that nurses working in the aged care facilities are paid at $30NZD/hour, whilst support workers are paid at $20NZD/hour. This is not a bad wage for the qualified care workers. I've met many people who value their jobs as care workers and very happy with their situation. This job has allowed them to raise families and get a home mortgage.
2. I've been to many small towns in New Zealand and small regional centers. It's very noticeable that the councils are spending money on developing walking trails / biking trails and gardens. Regular exercise is a great way to live more healthily at retirement. Development of these facilities are hitting many birds in one stone: great for tourism, great for attracting families and great for keeping the population healthy by encouraging outdoor activities. The Western population is living longer. The bigger challenge now is how to keep our ageing population independent, healthy and happy so that they could still continue to contribute positively to the community and be pillars of great traditions.
3. I'd like to share this website Aged Concern - a resource hub dedicated to offering help for people over 65 in New Zealand. One of the biggest issues of ageing is neglect (loneliness is a silent killer) and abuse. It's a major problem in developed and emerging economies.
How does New Zealand take care of its ageing population?
1. I've found out that nurses working in the aged care facilities are paid at $30NZD/hour, whilst support workers are paid at $20NZD/hour. This is not a bad wage for the qualified care workers. I've met many people who value their jobs as care workers and very happy with their situation. This job has allowed them to raise families and get a home mortgage.
2. I've been to many small towns in New Zealand and small regional centers. It's very noticeable that the councils are spending money on developing walking trails / biking trails and gardens. Regular exercise is a great way to live more healthily at retirement. Development of these facilities are hitting many birds in one stone: great for tourism, great for attracting families and great for keeping the population healthy by encouraging outdoor activities. The Western population is living longer. The bigger challenge now is how to keep our ageing population independent, healthy and happy so that they could still continue to contribute positively to the community and be pillars of great traditions.
3. I'd like to share this website Aged Concern - a resource hub dedicated to offering help for people over 65 in New Zealand. One of the biggest issues of ageing is neglect (loneliness is a silent killer) and abuse. It's a major problem in developed and emerging economies.
