Most Kapiti seniors enjoy life —

Grey Power

By Alan Tristram

The majority of mature Kapiti people are very happy or satisfied with their life, according to a Grey Power survey.

This was the first large-scale survey (1198 respondents) that specifically asked about the health and well-being of Kapiti residents over 50.

It also sought to zero in on their needs within the community.

Indication of lifestyle

“The survey is a helpful indication of the lifestyle of seniors on the Kapiti Coast,” says Kapiti Grey Power President, Trevor Daniell.

“It shows a predominantly positive experience while showing areas where some people’s lives can be improved in their later years.”

Ninety-six percent of respondents listed elements that contribute to their well-being, such as:

• feeling safe at home and in public
• being able to get to medical appointments
• getting out and about for their daily living needs together
•  having enough income to live comfortably during retirement

Mr Daniell says most of respondents are retired, live in their own home, are able to get out and about socially as much as they wish, have income sources in addition to National Superannuation and know their neighbours.

Worries about crime and hoons

Respondents ranked crime and anti-social behaviour as the number one concern even though 98 per cent stated they feel safe at home or in public all or most of the time. 

This could be perception rather than based on personal experience.  However it may be that on the occasions they don’t feel safe it makes a significant impression. 

Other concerns closely ranked included poor health, decreased personal independence, financial worries and staying in their own home. 

Respondents that don’t feel safe and also ranked their health as poor are not happy, have a disability or chronic illness, have been the victim of harassment, crime or pressure, have a lower standard of living and do not get out socially as much as they would like.  This group may be under-represented in the survey. 

The survey was carried out from Paekakariki to Otaki during June and July last year.  It was delivered to all Kapiti Grey Power members, most retirement villages and it was made available at local libraries. 

Some may be unrepresented

It is clear that the responses are not representative of the total Kapiti population geographically or ethnically.  It may be that those with chronic illness, disability and with limited mobility are also under represented in the survey.

Another group under represented are those aged 50 to 64 years.  This group are more difficult to access as they are more likely to be busy working and less likely to be current Grey Power members.

Of concern is the third of respondents who report having gone without thirteen “basic” items.  Most of these people have gone without multiple items.  The list includes dental care, heating, appliance repairs, doctor’s visits and food.

Grey Power Kapiti worked with Age Concern, the Older Persons Council and the Red Cross to prepare the survey.

Trevor Daniell said he appreciated the support of the Kapiti Coast District Council in helping to deliver the survey to the community.

The full survey report is available on the Kapiti Grey Power website www.kapitigreypower.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Survey-of-Mature-Residents-Kapiti.pdf