Nearly 30% of the region’s population (51,135 as of 2023) is aged 55 and older. The report said the population is expected to grow to 53,050 by 2048, which will include 24% of people over the age of 65.
The report describes an age-friendly city or community as a place that adapts its services and physical structures to be more inclusive and receptive to the needs of its population to improve their quality of life as they age.
Challenges faced by those over 65
The report said, “There were very clear delineations between the older and younger ends of the ages surveyed.”
Younger respondents aged 55 to 64 (nearly 6000 people or 12% of the district’s population) were more likely to be in work and looking for activity-based engagement in the community.
But the group aged 65 plus (almost 8500 people and 17% of the Tairāwhiti population) identified certain challenges, including:
- Ageism and a lost sense of purpose
- Loneliness, anxiety and access to mental health support
- Financial insecurity
- Difficulty with everyday tasks and mobility
- Mobility and transportation.
- Transport was very limited in rural areas
- Finding the right care provision
- Access to healthcare services. A “huge area of concern” for seniors was the long wait times for appointments with GPs, specialists or access to care. The report said rural areas serviced by health clinics received positive comments from local community members.
Other identified issues mentioned by respondents were the move away from face-to-face services and the fear of internet banking.
There was a lack of small houses when people wanted to downsize, and a long waiting list to access retirement homes.
The survey showed 133 respondents (32.1%) currently lived alone, with the remainder either living with a spouse, de facto or with whānau.
“It is of concern that such a high percentage are living alone as this can bring about feelings of loneliness and isolation,” the report reads.
“More people are ageing in our community and who are often hidden from society owing to lack of whanau support, non-engagement with social services and churches etc.”
On the positive side, respondents identified that there were enough opportunities for older people to keep working either in paid employment or volunteering.
Many respondents identified that they volunteered time each week to sport and recreation, arts and culture, said the report.
Challenges for seniors outside of Gisborne
East Coast respondents (Beyond Gisborne) said there were few opportunities for paid employment while power and roading remained insecure after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Other concerns from the coast included the loss of phone landlines and cellular black spots, and the need for lessons on how to use cellphones, tablets or computers.
Respondents from the East Coast and western rural districts said they were significantly disadvantaged by the lack of access to public transport and were mainly reliant upon private vehicles or whānau to support their travel needs.
Challenges for seniors in Gisborne
Gisborne-based respondents identified the kerb ramp gradients on to footpaths as too steep for mobility scooters and those with a disability.
The CBD pavers were slippery in wet weather, while general maintenance was another issue.
Concerns were expressed about the type of crossings (courtesy vs pedestrian crossings), placement of crossings near roundabouts or intersections and the lack of crossings in Ormond Rd, Childers Rd, and Gladstone Rd.
Oneroa Walkway was praised, but there was a call for more seats.
Feedback said the screens on the new-look parking meters were difficult to read, putting some people off parking in the CBD.
The report concluded that while there will be challenges going forward, consultation and community buy-in for solutions with an Age-Friendly community focus were expected to evolve over time.
