By Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 2:48 Pm Press Release: Enliven

Copyright scoop

International
Day for Older Persons on Wednesday, 1 October

In a world where artificial
intelligence can generate answers in seconds and information
is always at our fingertips, it’s easy to forget that some
things simply can’t be rushed – like life
experience.

Wisdom, resilience, and insight are earned
through years of living, learning, and adapting. This
International Day for Older Persons, celebrated on
Wednesday, 1 October 2025, Enliven, a health and disability
service run by Presbyterian Support, is inviting New
Zealanders to pause and reflect on how we can better support
and value older people in our communities, even in small yet
meaningful ways.

Enliven is a recognised industry
leader in New Zealand’s for-purpose, not-for-profit
sector, supporting more than 14,200 older people nationwide
through a wide range of aged care and community-based
services. Support is provided by more than 3000 Enliven
staff and about 365 volunteers.

International Day for Older Persons, Enliven is also
launching a nationwide online survey asking Kiwis to share
their views on ageing and how society can better respect and
support older New Zealanders.

Zealanders carry an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge,”
says Enliven national spokesperson Dr Prudence Stone.
“They’ve raised families, built communities, adapted to
huge social and technological changes, and they continue to
contribute in countless

“Respecting their preferences,
supporting independence, and focusing on wellness rather
than illness isn’t just good care, it’s good for
society,” she says.

Enliven provides support to
older people and those living with disabilities across
Aotearoa New Zealand, helping them maintain independence and
live fulfilling lives. Services include in-home practical
support, engaging day programmes, short-term respite and
health recovery services, as well as residential aged care
and retirement village communities– all tailored to meet
the specific needs of local communities.

Aotearoa New
Zealand’s population is ageing at a steady pace, driven by
declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy.
According to Stats NZ, by 2040 it is projected that one in
four New Zealanders will be over the age of 65.

contribution of older New Zealanders is often undervalued,
despite their lifelong efforts. This is despite older people
contributing to society and the economy as employees,
business owners, volunteers, and carers,” says Dr

“Others have spent their lives contributing
to society and we have much to learn and admire from them.
However, we are exposed to negative messages about older
people, so our brains are wired to form judgements about
people based on their age.

“Although NewZealand
fares better than many countries, negative stereotypes –
like seeing older people as frail or dependent still
persist, and can negatively affect health outcomes,
including causing older people to feel isolated and

“Moving to a model of wellness rather than
illness and treating people with respect and dignity is
hugely beneficial for society overall,” she

Enliven’s national survey launches on
Wednesday 1 October and is open to people of all ages. It’s
an opportunity to share ideas on how we can foster a more
inclusive, respectful society for older people. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LM7W8K6
to take the survey and show your support this
International Day for Older Persons.

meaningful ways we can show how we appreciate older people
as we celebrate International Day for Older

1. Mentorship

people are excellent mentors for others. Our older people
have so much to teach us. Let’s find ways of connecting
with them so that this can happen.

Loneliness is a growing issue, and
connection makes a big difference. A simple phone call or
visit can turn someone’s whole day

3. Storytelling

time to hear older people’s stories. Encourage them to
record them so future generations can have a valuable
insight into what it “used to be like” back in the

4. Connection

Find ways of
connecting people of all generations with each other. This
fosters mutual learning, joy and laughter between young and

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