Positive Ageing Forum

Hastings District has an ageing population and a slightly higher proportion of older adults than found nationally. Projections indicate that the Hastings district's older population (65+) will grow from 12.8% of the population (2006 Census) to 22.7% of the total district population by 2026. This compares to 19.9% older adults nationally by 2026.

In 2006, a Positive Ageing Forum was established with the express purpose of identifying and discussing issues for the older population that are relevant to Council's provision of services, facilities and infrastructure.

From this core group of older person's representatives, key current and future issues for older people were identified and discussed and goals and actions that would overcome these issues were subsequently identified. The Positive Ageing Strategy is the result and was adopted by Council in May 2007.

The Positive Ageing Forum continues to meet on a regular basis to stay abreast of older adult issues, advocate on behalf of older adults in the community, and monitor the Strategy.

• Positive Ageing Strategy (PDF 1MB)

One successful joint project is the Enliven Connect online database. This was led by Presbyterian Support East Coast Enliven with support from Hastings District Council, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Napier City Council, and Eldernet.

Contact

For more information on the Positive Ageing Forum or the Strategy contact Community Development Planner, Jennifer Leaf at jenniferl@hdc.govt.nz , or phone 06 871 5000