Auckland’s ageing Asian population is growing rapidly, but new research highlights the unique challenges they face.

Emeritus Professor Edwina Pio ONZM has conducted a study, supported by The Selwyn Foundation, to explore these experiences and offer insights for policymakers.

Migration and ageing are significant global phenomena, and Auckland is no exception.

According to the latest census, there are 31,353 Asians aged 65 and older in Auckland, a diverse group that includes people from Southeast Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

This number has risen significantly from 21,354 in 2006 to 70,759 in 2018, comprising 7.08% of the city’s population.

Ageing Asian migrants often face multiple hardships, including stigma, inequality, and the stress of working in difficult jobs.

Despite their growing numbers, there is a lack of information about their specific needs and challenges.

Professor Pio’s research addresses this gap by focusing on how these individuals stay connected, active, and engaged in Auckland.

Through focus groups with 38 participants from Chinese, Indian, and Korean communities, and interviews with 18 high-level managers in the aged care sector, the study identified several key themes.

Participants expressed a love for Auckland and emphasised the importance of staying active and engaged.

They also voiced concerns about elder abuse and the need for enhanced linguistic and cultural sensitivity from service providers.

One participant from the Chinese community highlighted the importance of community activities, stating, "Being active and participating in community events keeps us healthy and happy."

Practitioners echoed these concerns, noting the need for an ethnic strategy to support older Asians.

They pointed out issues with fragmented funding and the potential for elder abuse.

They also stressed the importance of having connectors to help older migrants navigate services and the need for healthcare that is responsive to the various ethnicities’ needs.

Professor Pio’s research offers six key recommendations to enhance the wellbeing of ageing Asians in Auckland:

• Develop an ethnic strategy for ageing Asians, with sustainable resources.
• Improve healthcare with linguistically and culturally mindful personnel.
• Facilitate ageing in place with culturally sensitive independent living options.
• Create connectors, such as a one-stop booklet with information on health, law, human rights, and community activities.
• Reduce fragmented funding and improve monitoring of programmes, especially for elder abuse.
• Incentivise organisations to employ seniors.

The research also addresses the damaging trope that ageing Asians are a drain on society.

Instead, Professor Pio argues that they can be valuable contributors, bringing wisdom and experience to workplaces and communities.

She calls for innovative policymakers who can think four-dimensionally, considering the past and future while addressing the specific needs of ageing Asians.

"How can we make ageing Asians’ days filled with joy, engagement, and tranquillity?" asks Professor Pio. "We need innovative policies that respect their contributions and support their wellbeing."

This research aims to inform both central and local government policies, helping to create age-friendly pathways that allow all Auckland residents to live with dignity and respect.

By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by ageing Asians, Auckland can ensure that its diverse population continues to thrive.