Wairarapa population getting older

GETTING OLDER: Nearly a third of Masterton's population will be over 65 in 16 years.

Nearly a third of Masterton's population will be aged over 65 by 2031, according to census data projections.

This was revealed in an Age Concern Wairarapa presentation given to Masterton District Council last week that showed about 7300, or roughly 30 per cent of people living in Masterton district, would be over 65.

That's up from 4455 people aged 65 or over last year - or 19 per cent of the population - which was up from 16.8 per cent in 2006.

The scenario is much the same for South Wairarapa and Carterton. In South Wairarapa 3220 residents will be over 65 by 2031 - up from last year's 1860 - and in Carterton 2580 will meet that criteria, up from 1545 last year.

As of now the average age for Masterton residents stands at 43.1 years, which is nearly five years older than the average age of New Zealanders overall.

In both Carterton and in South Wairarapa the averages are even higher, with Carterton on 44.5 years and South Wairarapa 46.1 years.

The statistics for those two districts could partly reflect the increasing popularity of both districts for retirees, particularly from the Wellington area.

By comparison the average age of residents in Wellington stands at 33.9 years.

Age Concern Wairarapa is a membership-based organisation open to people of all ages and includes corporate membership.

Its goals are to develop and deliver a range of services and activities for older people and to provide advocacy.