New Zealanders urged to celebrate older persons
Labour’s Senior Citizens spokesperson Ross Robertson is urging New Zealanders to take a moment out of their day to acknowledge the contribution older persons make to our communities.
“New Zealand is today celebrating the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) – which is celebrated annually on October 1st to recognise the contributions of older people to our societies and to examine issues that affect their lives.
“New Zealand, like many other countries, has an ageing population. The proportion of older people in New Zealand is projected to grow to about 13 per cent by 2010, and then much more rapidly to 22 per cent by 2031 and 25 per cent by 2051 – when they will account for one in four New Zealanders.
“Today provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution older New Zealanders make and to reflect on the challenges associated with an ageing population,” Ross Robertson says.
“We also need to accept the many positives this will offer us. With age comes experience and wisdom, and in a rapidly changing global environment intellectual capital is invaluable for enhancing productivity.
“There are many professions that embrace older workers and I’d urge others to acknowledge the contributions that mature employees have to offer.
“Because of the changing nature of the workforce, many grandparents are also taking a much more significant role in raising their grandchildren – a contribution that deserves special acknowledgement,” Ross Roberson says.
“In my roles as Manukau East MP and as Labour’s Senior Citizens spokesperson I will be attending many IDOP events today, including the:
Age Concern Counties Manukau’s Papatoetoe tea party
IDOP Cultural Festival, Recreation Centre, Otahuhu
IDOP Pacific Moves Island-style exercise for everyone
IDOP Muslim Mosque event
