She said people often ask her why she became so interested in the elderly.
"Particularly when I was in my 30s, when I became interested, being young and female and doing research involving older people was sort of different.
"Particularly in the 70s when everybody was interested in other 'isms' - sexism and racism and so on - I was interested in ageism."
Dame Peggy says she just walked in a different direction.
"I had a grandmother who was a lovely lady and I was always impressed with her, and I suppose, interested to know how older people worked really."
Dame Peggy says New Zealanders are increasingly living longer, but not all our older people live a healthy, wealthy life.
"But as a general statement I think our older people are among the better off in the world."
Hamilton Mayor Andrew King congratulated Dame Peggy.
"Dame Peggy was the chair of our Older Person's Advisory Panel and her expertise, knowledge and robust views were valuable to the Council in its decision-making on matters relating to the city's older residents," Mayor King said.
"She is an expert in her field and she is now driving our efforts to become New Zealand's first age-friendly city, which the Council supports."
Dame Peggy is also a noted social gerontologist and academic at the University of Waikato.
Police officer Inspector Karen Henrikson, a veteran in Hamilton City's police force, also was honoured as she was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her services to the New Zealand Police and the community.
"Inspector Henrikson frequently liaises with our staff on a range of matters, including safety in the Hamilton central business district, the management of alcohol supply and consumption in our city, and also our delivery of major events," Mr King said.
"She has always been pragmatic and realistic, and her focus has always been the safety of our community, which is hugely appreciated and valuable."
Others honoured
Other Queen's Birthday Honours recipients who live or work in the city, or have Hamilton connections were:
THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT
Officer:
Dr Zafer (Zaf) Khouri, Hamilton, for services to odontology.
Members:
Lilian Jeanne (Jeanne) Biddulph, Hamilton, for services to literacy education.
Marilyn Elaine Cooper, Hamilton, for services to equestrian sports.
John Barry Maughan, Hamilton, for services to health.
QUEEN'S SERVICE MEDAL
Karl Frederick Lapwood, Hamilton, for services to the New Zealand Fire Service and business
Police Inspector Karen Henrikson was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
