Absolutely Positively Ageing: Positive ageing and volunteering in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

10.26686/wgtn.17018762.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Alice Clowes

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Older People ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Population Ageing ◽

City Council ◽

Voluntary Work ◽

Negative Stereotypes ◽

The Government ◽

Positive Ageing ◽

The Relationship

Population ageing is a key development issue worldwide, and governments around the world are working to address the changing needs that accompany this demographic shift (Vos, Ocampo & Cortez, 2008). In New Zealand, the Government and the Wellington City Council have developed the Positive Ageing Strategy (2001) and the Positive Ageing Policy (2012) respectively in response to population ageing. Both the Strategy and the Policy pay particular attention to the importance of the continued social inclusion of older people in their communities. One of the ways that this inclusion is encouraged is through older people’s participation in voluntary activities. This research explores the lived experiences of older people who volunteer in the Wellington region to understand the nature of the relationship between volunteering and positive ageing. The exploratory nature of the research necessitated a qualitative research design. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 members of the volunteer community I explored the underlying themes of this research project including motivations for participation in voluntary work, skills and knowledge brought to and developed through volunteering, challenges and barriers to participation in voluntary work, and the participants’ awareness of representations and stereotypes around ageing. The research findings illustrate the complexities inherent in the relationship between volunteering and positive ageing and show how volunteering was used by the participants as a means to resist and challenge negative stereotypes and representations of ageing. There was a fine balance between the promotion of volunteering as one of a multitude of ways in which older people can participate in their communities and overstating the benefits of volunteering to individuals and their communities without revealing the potential challenges.

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The Art of Falling is Never Landing The Multi-strategic Maribyrnong Falls Prevention Project, Move Safely - Age Well Transmits its Message via a Collaborative Community Circus Project

Australian Journal of Primary Health ◽

10.1071/py01023 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 128

Author(s):

Sylvie Leber ◽

Susan Hawthorne ◽

Kim Baston

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

City Council ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Cultural Barriers ◽

Collaborative Community ◽

Prevention Project ◽

Positive Ageing

In 1998, a unique collaboration commenced between the Performing Older Women's Circus (POW), older residents of the municipality of Maribyrnong, and the Maribyrnong City Council. This collaboration culminated in the circus show The Art of Falling is Never Landing. The show, combines a positive ageing message with the message that falls amongst older people are preventable in a way that crosses linguistic and cultural barriers.

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Reconfiguring the Relationship Between Intelligence Professionals and the Public: A First Step Towards Democratising New Zealand’s National Security?

National Security Journal ◽

10.36878/nsj20210929.02 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Damien Rogers ◽

Shaun Mawdsley

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

National Security ◽

Public Involvement ◽

Terrorist Attack ◽

Current Approach ◽

Royal Commission ◽

The Public ◽

The Government ◽

University Leaders ◽

The Relationship

The secrecy surrounding intelligence work has meant the relationship between New Zealand intelligence professionals and the public they serve has always been somewhat problematic. Over the past decade, leaks, scandals and a deadly act of terrorism have certainly not improved the public’s trust and confidence in the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau. While the Government has undertaken several measures to strengthen the credibility of those agencies, including initiating public inquiries and bolstering governance arrangements, its current approach is rather limited, has reached those limits and could now be counterproductive. In light of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques on 15 March 2019 to increase public involvement in New Zealand’s counterterrorism effort, we argue that it is time for this problematic relationship between intelligence professionals and the public to be rethought and reconfigured. To that end, we identify several concrete actions that parliamentarians and university leaders could consider taking to actively support intelligence professionals as they foster a society of informed citizens and create new opportunities to bring national security matters into the heart of democracy’s deliberative processes.

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Community-Supported Music-Making As A Context For Positive And Creative Ageing

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190219505.013.13 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Creech

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Well Being ◽

Critical Discussion ◽

Community Members ◽

Political Issue ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Music Making ◽

Participatory Music ◽

Positive Ageing ◽

The Relationship

Coinciding with the extraordinary demographic transition that has made ageing a global and highly relevant political issue, there has been increasing interest in the power of music in the lives of older people. New initiatives have been developed and researchers have investigated the relationship between music and positive ageing from a number of perspectives. In this chapter, a framework for positive ageing, comprising the dimensions of purpose, autonomy, and social affirmation, underpins my critical discussion of the role that facilitated music-making can take in mitigating the challenges of ageing. Drawing upon international evidence, I argue that active engagement in participatory music in community offers a context for creative expression and lifelong musical development, supporting cognitive, social, and emotional well-being in older age. However, commitment to positive ageing requires that participation must be inclusive of community members who are frail and in need of care. I conclude with a discussion of further ways in which community musicians could enrich the contexts that older people inhabit.

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The promotional state ‘after neo-liberalism’: ideologies of governance and New Zealand's pop renaissance

Popular Music ◽

10.1017/s026114301100050x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 143-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michael Scott ◽

David Craig

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Popular Music ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Music Industry ◽

The State ◽

Institutional Policy ◽

Supply Side ◽

Labour Government ◽

Liberal Ideology ◽

The Relationship

AbstractThis article responds to Frith and Cloonan's (2008) call for researchers considering the relationship between the state and popular music to analyse more closely the ideologies of governance that undergird music policy. Building on Cloonan's ‘promotional state’ and drawing on recent New Zealand experience, this paper shows how New Zealand's Labour government (1999–2008) developed policies to support the export of ‘Kiwi’ pop which requires a reconsideration of state music policy as interventions in the market. The work of the New Zealand Music Commission in generating and coordinating working partnerships with diverse music industry actors illustrates emerging forms of ‘after neo-liberal’ ideology and governance, wherein state-related actors and musicians each and together adapt to market arrangements through supply side, social inclusion and new institutional policy settings and modalities. This article offers points of comparison to types of ideological and governing/institutional formations we can expect to see emerging in promotional states elsewhere.

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Ageing badly: indicators of old-age structure in Australia and New Zealand

Journal of Primary Health Care ◽

10.1071/hc19095 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 272

Author(s):

Yoram Barak ◽

Shona Neehoff ◽

Paul Glue

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Old Age ◽

Age Structure ◽

Total Population ◽

Population Ageing ◽

Major Goal ◽

Australian Aboriginal ◽

The Government ◽

Index Ratio ◽

Longevity Index

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONUntil 2050, Australia and New Zealand will experience continuing increase in the population aged >65 years. Studying differences in indicators of old-age structure between these countries can inform policymakers. AIMTo calculate and analyse indicators of old-age structure for Australia and New Zealand. METHODSFive indicators of old-age structure were calculated: centenarian ratio (number of centenarians per 100,000 people), longevity index (proportion of people aged ≥90 and ≥65 years in the population), longevity level (proportion of 80+/60+ years population), ageing tendency (proportion of people aged ≥60 years in the population) and centenarity index (ratio between the centenarians and the total population ≥90 years). RESULTSAll indicators of old-age structure demonstrated an advantageous ageing structure in Australia compared with New Zealand. In addition, the New Zealand Māori and Australian Aboriginal indicators of old-age structure demonstrated a significant disadvantage to these ethnic groups compared with the general population. DISCUSSIONPublic health policy needs to target ageing in New Zealand as a major goal in advancing the ‘Ageing Well’ policy advocated by the government.

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From positive ageing to positive living; a changing perspective from the Beth Johnson Foundation

Working with Older People ◽

10.1108/wwop-09-2015-0021 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 165-169

Author(s):

Lynne Marie Wealleans

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Life Course ◽

Active Ageing ◽

Negative Stereotypes ◽

Content Type ◽

Language And Culture ◽

Inclusive Approach ◽

Positive Ageing ◽

The Life Course

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the learning from the positive ageing and positive living projects of the Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) and to contribute to the discourse around ageing and older people. Design/methodology/approach – The content for this case study was drawn from evidence gathering activities with different generations of older people, with key stakeholders, commissioners and policy makers. This was supported by extensive desk top analysis of information and research on the subjects of positive and active ageing. Findings – This case study examines the key elements of positive ageing within a life course context and explores the language and culture around ageing. It makes some recommendations, based on practice, that support a change in the dialogue around ageing from positive ageing to positive living. Practical implications – This approach is of interest to all citizens, to those who work with older people, to commissioners and to decision makers. It promotes a multi-generational approach to the co-design of services. It supports prevention, health promotion and appropriate interventions which are not based on age. It also, therefore, promotes ageing as a “natural” part of the life course, challenges negative stereotypes around ageing and ensures accessible, inclusive and quality services. Social implications – The content and conclusions of the case study challenge some of the traditional thinking and approaches around ageing and recommend a more inclusive approach to service design and delivery. The case study also addresses some of the issues around the language used and the culture around ageing which will contribute to a more forward thinking approach. Originality/value – This is an original case study based on the work of the BJF over a ten year period as it developed its’ Positive Ageing and Positive Living programmes. BJF has been at the forefront of the positive ageing movement by developing mid-life programmes of work and is acknowledged as an expert organisation in the field of intergenerational (and now multi-generational) practice and age friendly communities.

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Good intentions: A case study of social inclusion and its evaluation in local public art galleries

10.26686/wgtn.17008486.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Claire Adele Baker

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Art ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Social Impact ◽

City Council ◽

Inductive Method ◽

Art Galleries ◽

Measurement Framework ◽

The Social

The new museology and need for greater accountability for public funding have prompted debate about the purpose of museums and their contributions to the wellbeing of society. Research has convincingly demonstrated that experiences of art can be positive for people, however visitor studies suggest audiences of public art galleries remain predominantly narrow in range and traditional non-users have not become regular visitors. Internationally, the issue of democratic access in public art galleries has become more important, resulting in a growing interest in greater public participation and a need to show social outcomes. When social inclusion goals were embedded in and mandated through British policy, significant progress was made; but what about the New Zealand situation? This dissertation investigates how two public art galleries in New Zealand’s capital city advance and evaluate social inclusion. A case study of Wellington City Council and its public art galleries, City Gallery Wellington and Toi Pōneke Gallery, was used to explore the social inclusion policy and practices in relation to international developments. Interviews were conducted with eight staff of these and related institutions and an inductive method was used to analyse the data, framed by a social justice perspective. This research found that the transformational potential of Wellington City Council’s galleries is limited by unclear policy and professionals’ relatively narrow understandings of social inclusion through museums. Results suggested the galleries rely predominantly on exhibitions about ethnic cultures as a form of audience development and it is likely that museums in other regions of the country would show similar traits. It appears that social inclusion and its measurement is not a priority of New Zealand public art galleries, echoed by the lack of integration across local and central government on this issue. This study argues that evaluation is necessary not only to justify public funds, but also to provide a measurement framework for a greater range of social inclusion practice within our valuable cultural institutions. The research contributes to museum and community studies literature by producing modest, yet original data about museum evaluation and policy, and provides insights for central and local government and the museum sector in terms of measuring the social impact of public art galleries. Overall, this dissertation reiterates the critical view of the disjuncture between museum theory, policy and practice, and ends by discussing some practical steps to bring these into closer alignment.

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Older people's perceptions of prescription medicine costs and related costs: a pilot study in New Zealand

Journal of Primary Health Care ◽

10.1071/hc14295 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 295 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

June Tordoff ◽

Michael Bagge ◽

Farina Ali ◽

Samira Ahmed ◽

Jie Ning Choong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Older People ◽

Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽

Community Health Services ◽

Prescription Medicine ◽

Exact Test ◽

Prescription Medicines ◽

The Government ◽

People’S Perceptions

INTRODUCTION: Older people tend to take more medicines and prescription medicine costs may influence medicine adherence. AIM: The aim of this pilot study was to identify older people's perceptions of prescription medicine costs and related costs in four major cities across New Zealand. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to people aged 65 years and older visiting pharmacies in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin to identify their perceptions of costs relating to prescription medicines and related pharmacy and general practice services. Data were compared between cities and examined for associations between participants' views on costs and age, sex, income, ethnicity, number of medicines, and monthly cost. RESULTS: Participants (N=107) received a median of five prescription medicines (range 1–15), at a median cost of NZ$8.00 (range 0–55.30). Median part-charges for medicines only partly funded by the government were NZ$6.25 (range 0.60–100.00), and GP consultations ranged from NZ$0–60.00. Of the participants, 89 (83.2%) thought medicine costs and 63 (58.9%) thought GP consultation costs were reasonable. Participants with median monthly medicine costs of NZ$8.33–87.00 more commonly perceived medicines as expensive or very expensive (p=0.001, Fisher's exact test). DISCUSSION: Older people in this study mostly viewed their prescription medicines and related costs as reasonable; however, 17% and 41%, respectively, found medicines costs and GP consultation costs expensive. Larger, in-depth studies across New Zealand are needed to determine the sections of the population that find these costs expensive, and to explore how this might affect medicine adherence. KEYWORDS: Aged; community health services; costs and cost analysis; New Zealand; pharmaceutical preparations

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Good intentions: A case study of social inclusion and its evaluation in local public art galleries

10.26686/wgtn.17008486 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Claire Adele Baker

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Public Art ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Social Impact ◽

City Council ◽

Inductive Method ◽

Art Galleries ◽

Measurement Framework ◽

The Social

The new museology and need for greater accountability for public funding have prompted debate about the purpose of museums and their contributions to the wellbeing of society. Research has convincingly demonstrated that experiences of art can be positive for people, however visitor studies suggest audiences of public art galleries remain predominantly narrow in range and traditional non-users have not become regular visitors. Internationally, the issue of democratic access in public art galleries has become more important, resulting in a growing interest in greater public participation and a need to show social outcomes. When social inclusion goals were embedded in and mandated through British policy, significant progress was made; but what about the New Zealand situation? This dissertation investigates how two public art galleries in New Zealand’s capital city advance and evaluate social inclusion. A case study of Wellington City Council and its public art galleries, City Gallery Wellington and Toi Pōneke Gallery, was used to explore the social inclusion policy and practices in relation to international developments. Interviews were conducted with eight staff of these and related institutions and an inductive method was used to analyse the data, framed by a social justice perspective. This research found that the transformational potential of Wellington City Council’s galleries is limited by unclear policy and professionals’ relatively narrow understandings of social inclusion through museums. Results suggested the galleries rely predominantly on exhibitions about ethnic cultures as a form of audience development and it is likely that museums in other regions of the country would show similar traits. It appears that social inclusion and its measurement is not a priority of New Zealand public art galleries, echoed by the lack of integration across local and central government on this issue. This study argues that evaluation is necessary not only to justify public funds, but also to provide a measurement framework for a greater range of social inclusion practice within our valuable cultural institutions. The research contributes to museum and community studies literature by producing modest, yet original data about museum evaluation and policy, and provides insights for central and local government and the museum sector in terms of measuring the social impact of public art galleries. Overall, this dissertation reiterates the critical view of the disjuncture between museum theory, policy and practice, and ends by discussing some practical steps to bring these into closer alignment.

Download Full-text