Merepeka: Think positive on dementia

A village approach to dementia care is required.

My friend, a few years older than me, can't remember. Neither can I. I was telling him about the positive ageing forum I attended last week, particularly the presentations on dementia. And how New Zealand will need to brace itself for the dementia tsunami heading our way over the next 20 to 40 years.

My friend said he can't recall any older person dying of dementia. None of his family, relatives or older acquaintances. I don't think I can either. I knew three of my grandparents. They died from old age. I'm sure there must have been health issues too but their minds were intact right up to the end. Theo, who died two months before his 80th birthday, never displayed any signs that he was starting to be cognitively impaired. Other older people I have known have been "sound of mind" when they died. My friend questioned if dementia is something new.

New or not, dementia is already a significant health issue and on the increase. Not only in New Zealand but worldwide. Our population is ageing as we live longer and have fewer children. And it is age that is the greatest risk factor for dementia. As a society we will need to take a planned approach to what an ageing population will mean. In challenges and opportunities. There is so much literature about on dementia but I like the simple definition "It's caring for people who do not know they need to be cared for."

The Office for Seniors tells us by 2033 New Zealand is projected to have 470,000 extra people aged 65+. Rotorua by 2033 is projected to have an 80 per cent increase of people aged 65+. As we live longer there will be challenges all around. For our communities, for families, individuals, care givers and the health system. I'm pleased the forum focused on looking at the opportunities too. How do we make our towns and cities "good places to grow old"? An age-friendly city adds life to years.

And aging need not be an isolating experience. We can all help in making sure that as much as possible older people stay connected in the community. Many already do. They make a valued contribution through unpaid and voluntary work. They have influence as a consumer group too. You may have seen the travel promotion specifically targeting seniors. With disposable dollars they are on the move. Around New Zealand and the world.

But social isolation and loneliness can creep in and go unnoticed. It is reported around half of older New Zealanders experience some degree of loneliness. That's where age-friendly communities can "add life to years".

We have to ensure that our places are safe and age-friendly and that older people can move around without difficulty. That businesses recognise older people may need extra support with their business affairs, especially banking. Westpac is the first bank in New Zealand to declare itself a dementia-friendly bank.

It followed the Bank of Scotland model and is now partnering with other organisations to take its accreditation process New Zealand wide. Training is provided for all staff.

There is the opportunity now to change the narrative around dementia. We can accept personal responsibility to be risk-aware. As a community insist that our places are safe, and age-friendly. And that we have a health system that supports and enables people to live well with dementia at all points on their journey. "If it takes a village to raise a child" then perhaps it's this village approach to dementia care that is required.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.