Shama was proud to launch its latest research report, Thriving and Ageing Well: Insights from Older People of Culturally Diverse Backgrounds in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, at the Settlement Centre in Hamilton. The event brought together older members of our community, service providers, local government representatives, and stakeholders from the settlement and older persons sectors to discuss how we can better support ethnic older people to thrive.
The event was opened by Shama’s Strategic Manager, Silvana Erenchun Perez, followed by Michelle Rivers, Disability and Older Persons Advisor at Hamilton City Council, who shared the Council’s commitment to becoming an age-friendly city and the actions being taken to make Hamilton a place where people can age with dignity and connection.
Lead researcher Dr Gauri Nandedkar then presented the findings of the research. The study explored the experiences of older people from culturally diverse backgrounds in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and identified both the factors that support healthy ageing and the barriers that continue to affect wellbeing and access to services. The research included interviews with 25 community members from a range of ethnic backgrounds, as well as representatives from six organisations providing health, social, financial, and community services.
The report highlights that strong family and social connections, a sense of purpose, financial security, culturally appropriate services, and opportunities to stay active are key factors that help older people thrive. It also identifies significant barriers, including language and digital literacy challenges, transport, financial pressures, ageism, racism, and difficulties accessing culturally responsive services. The report concludes with practical recommendations to improve inclusion and support healthy ageing for older people from culturally diverse communities.
One of the highlights of the launch was hearing directly from older community members, who actively participated throughout the morning by asking questions, sharing their own experiences, and contributing to an important discussion about ageing well in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Shama extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the research and launch. We are especially grateful to WEL Energy Trust, whose funding made this important research possible. We hope the findings will help inform future policy, services, and community initiatives that enable people from all cultural backgrounds to age with dignity, connection, and wellbeing.
