Positive ageing: a critical analysis

Abstract

Throughout the world governments are beginning to respond to the challenges of population ageing, often in rhetoric implying that ageing will bring about a ‘crisis’. These responses generally centre on the fiscal implications of retirement income support and health care services (OECD, 1998). The OECD notes the need for a broad and holistic approach to ageing, reflecting the interdependence of policies, but this can be a daunting prospect. The New Zealand government has taken up this challenge through its Positive Ageing Strategy (PAS) and is not alone in this; there have been similar initiatives in other countries. In examining these policy documents it is clear that there are common underlying values. This paper critically examines PAS, and makes comparisons between it and strategies on ageing from Australia and the United Kingdom. The paper argues that the three strategies reflect a positive discourse on ageing that has implications for both current and future generations of older people.