Policy and Research into issues affecting older people

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Age Concern New Zealand believes that all possible efforts should be made to ensure maximum protection for consumers entering into credit contracts.

Read our submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the Responsible Lending Code and how we can better protect older New Zealanders to avoid crippling debt. 

Research into loneliness and social isolation


Current research indicates that about half of older New Zealanders experience some level of loneliness, and 8-9% feel lonely all or most of the time.

This is important, not just because loneliness is painful, but because having inadequate social relationships has been shown to be as bad for health as smoking. Loneliness has also been linked to increased likelihood of entering rest home care.

This page provides you with information on effective interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and greater understanding of how people can build resilience to prevent loneliness, or help themselves if they find that their social networks are not meeting their needs.

If you are feeling lonely and need some help, please click here. 

 

Research into Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse is a global problem. International studies report that 3%-10% of older people experience abuse or neglect each year.  It happens to men and women of every religious, cultural, ethnic and income group. However, much abuse goes unreported.  It has been estimated that only 16% of all abuse incidents reach service agencies which can assist the older person to live safely.                    

Each year, Age Concern’s Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention (EANP) services receive more than 2000 referrals for older people who may be facing elder abuse or neglect. About three quarters of these situations are confirmed to involve elder abuse or neglect. Often the abuse experienced by an older person involves more than one type of abuse.


This page provides you with information into the prevalance of elder abuse, risk factors and the effects of elder abuse. 

If you are experiencing elder abuse, or wish to report elder abuse, please click here.