A number of important trends and drivers are likely to impact future wellbeing of New Zealanders. Some key areas are population and demographic change, resource stress, citizens’ changing expectations about government and services, emerging technology, the changing workforce, and climate change.

The Ministry of Health is seeking feedback on the proposed topic of its Long-term Insights Briefing of Active Ageing: Creating health-promoting and supportive environments to empower older people and enhance their contributions to society.

The activities and contributions of older people have been changing over generations, as a result of their generally better health, technology changes, along with societal changes that especially affect women.

The World Health Organization states that ‘if ageing is to be a positive experience, longer life must be accompanied by continuing opportunities for health, participation and security’. To promote such opportunities, the concept of ‘active ageing’ has been introduced and is defined as ‘increasing opportunities for participation so people are contributing to society and taking opportunities to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life as they age'. 

This discussion paper covers:

• why the topic of active ageing is important
• areas to explore in the Long-term Insights Briefing, and
• how the Long-term Insights Briefing will be developed.

Consultations close 2 December 2024.