Maintaining Independence in Old Age: Policy Challenges

Máire Dwyer, Alison Gray

Ageing can often reduce an individual's independence. As part of its contribution to the International Year of Older Persons 1999 the Government commissioned research into the factors that help maintain the independence of older people, and this paper summarises the key policy challenges that emerged from the research. Information was collected by literature review and feedback from key informants, including older people themselves (via focus groups).

The research confirmed that what individuals do, and what happens to them before they become old, are the most important influences on independence in old age. Thus even when serious disability or illness occurs, those with good personal resources and social capital are more likely to be able to access the support to live independently.

Other important factors included society having a positive attitude to ageing, having adequate income, support with personal health needs (including speedy and affordable access to health services), having appropriate housing and security, and concerns about transport. Cross-sectoral issues identified included the need for co-ordination and partnership in service delivery, the lack of New Zealand research, the situation of older Māori people, and the need to build long-term consensus across political parties to keep the future costs of helping older people manageable.