Comparative Analysis of Life Expectancy and Age-Friendly Environments

This report analyzes the life expectancy rate in New Zealand, comparing it with countries that have higher rates. It explores the influence of social determinants on life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of healthy aging. The report examines the concept of "age-friendly" environments and the need for national frameworks and evidence-based strategies to address aging health. It compares life expectancy statistics, identifies factors like lifestyle, environment, and healthcare access that affect these rates, and recommends strategies to increase life expectancy, such as improved nutrition, reduced tobacco and alcohol use, and enhanced healthcare systems. The report also discusses the benefits of age-friendly environments, including social participation, employment opportunities, and accessible transportation, to promote the well-being of older populations.

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Executive summary
The aim of this paper is to analyze the life expectancy rate of New Zealand and compare
them with the life expectancy statistics of other countries which has higher. Different social
determinants have contribution to the life expectancy rate. The health of the aging population
is most essential in this regard. The “age friendly” concept is focussed in improving the
health outcome of older people. Also, establishing national frameworks for action on healthy
ageing is necessary. Clear as well as evidence-based national and regional strategies of
policies that address ageing health are needed.
Introduction
The length of life as well as the proportion of older person has increased in most
developed and industrialized countries. Ageing population is the result of increased life
expectancy and the continued decline in fertility rates. However, it has put a question mark in
the healthcare status of the older people. If the aging population is accompanied by improved
health, better quality of life, and sufficient social as well as economic resources is a central
question (Wang et al., 2016). Though, the answer to this question lies in the ability of
community, family and to the social, economic and health service delivery system who are
committed in providing optimal support to the older population (Murray et al., 2015). In this
paper, the statistics regarding the existence of aging population in New Zealand will be
analyzed. Also, the life expectancy rate of New Zealand and the other countries that are
related to the older populations will be compared thoroughly. In this regard, with the support
of literature evidence, three different ways to increase the life expectancy rate will be
recommended. The paper will also illustrate a clear picture of the “age friendly” environment
which is a concept to address the inconveniences of older populations. Finally, the paper will
conclude highlighting all the important points of the paper.

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Comparing life expectancy rate between New Zealand and other countries
The most documented feature of New Zealand is its growing size of aging population
which began over a century ago. In the year 1901, the census of population revealed that the
average life expectancy rate at was about 57 which increased over the years (Nishtala,
Gnjidic, Chyou & Hilmer, 2016). After that in recent days, the reduction in the mortality rate
was found especially the childhood mortality rate reduced which made an improvement of
almost 20 years in life expectancy, and the most recent data produces the fact that the life
expectancy is around 82 in New Zealand (Abbott, Usiskin, Wilson, Hansen & Losina, 2017).
However, healthy life expectancy is most widely used metrics of population rate and it
combines information on morbidity and mortality in order to summarize the expected years
of life lived in good health. If there is change in the morbidity and mortality rate then a huge
change is found in the rate of life expectancy. Most often, the rate of life expectancy is
calculated on the basis of data related to morbidity prevalence. However, many researchers
indicated that the prevalence of different health characteristics among older people is better
measured by a pattern over time to death. However, there are some other countries which
have higher life expectancy rate than New Zealand. Report shows that Hong Kong, Japan,
Switzerland and many other countries have higher life expectancy rate that New Zealand and
the life expectancy rate in those country is 85, 85 and 84 respectively (Sandiford, Consuelo &
Rouse, 2017). However, there are various reasons behind such result that includes morbidity,
mortality and many other social determinants that affect the health of people. Way of life
style, environment, and economic condition impacts the life expectancy rate (Kontis, Bennett,
Mathers, Li, Foreman & Ezzati, 2017). People of some remote areas of New Zealand cannot
access all kinds of healthcare facilities due to lack of transportation availability and other
social support such as financial support and educational support which increase the mortality
rate and as a result it contributes to decrease the life expectancy rate. Some literatures

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indicated that use of tobacco and alcohol or any other unhealthy eating habits can increase the
mortality rate and also causes different diseases which contribute to the decreasing life
expectancy. Environment is another factor that affects the health of people and in Japan,
Switzerland and other countries the climate reduces the risk of various life-threatening
diseases and hence, life expectancy rate in those countries are higher than New Zealand
(Broad, Dunstan, Claridge & Harris, 2017). Therefore, the life expectancy rate varies and
morbidity, mortality, and various social determinants affect the rate and due to these reasons,
the life expectancy is higher than New Zealand in many countries.
Recommendations to increase life expectancy
Increasing life expectancy is possible according to WHO. Identifying some
appropriate strategies by the government in collaboration with individuals can be effective
enough in increasing the life expectancy (Richardson et al., 2015). Different literatures
identified some unique framework in this regard. In order to enhance the global life
expectancy rate irrespective of the presence or absence of the contributing factors, there is
need to formulate some comprehensive policies that addresses all the potential determinants
that affects the life expectancy rate (Apte, Brauer, Cohen, Ezzati & Pope III, 2018).
According to the latest world health report by WHO, some simple cost effective public health
measures can effectively increase the life expectancy by 5-10 years (Bibbins-Domingo,
2016). The reports find that poor nutrition is a major cause of decreased life expectancy and
the poorer people are more likely to suffer from poor nutritional status for not having ability
to afford nutritional food sufficiently. Again, improper diet plan and excessive intake of
unhealthy diet can cause different physical illness such as diabetes, obesity and others. These
disorders lead to some life-threatening diseases that include cardiovascular disease, kidney
disease and others. The occurrence of such diseases contributes to the decreasing life
expectancy rate and hence, policies should be made for fortifying foods with vitamins and

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minerals are necessary. In collaboration with the organic farms, providing fresh food at an
affordable rate to all the people can be extremely helpful in this regard. Excessive use of
tobacco, alcohol and other abusive substances causes the life expectancy rate to be decreased.
A report revealed that unless an action is taken, by the year 2020, the use of tobacco will
cause nine million deaths per year around the world which is five million right now (Miyachi,
TripeTTe, KawaKaMi & MuraKaMi, 2015). WHO indicates the impact of tobacco and
alcohol uses on the morbidity and mortality rate which is associated with the life expectancy.
Therefore, in order to reduce the use of tobacco, taxing tobacco can be an effective measure
to be taken by the government. Also, banning the use of tobacco and other substances under
the age of 18 is strictly necessary. Implementing some additional measures such as
strengthening the healthcare strategies is also necessary as an improved healthcare system can
reduce the rate of mortality and morbidity which will increase the life expectancy rate. People
living in some remote areas cannot access healthcare facilities due to lack of transportation
availability and in this purpose, if mobile healthcare facilities are available then it would
address the transportation issue of those people. Reducing the inequity in the healthcare is
most necessary so that every individual can access the healthcare facilities irrespective of
their race and ethnicity (Baum et al., 2018). Government, in collaboration with the healthcare
organizations should develop some stricter policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare
services. All these strategies will be addressing social determinants of health in New Zealand
and increase the life expectancy rate of older people.
“Age Friendly” as a concept
According to Associate Minister of Health 2016, the health aging strategies present
the strategic direction of change in order to improve the health status of older the people.
Different strategies have been identified such as commitment to action on healthy ageing as
well as developing age friendly environments that addresses all the issues of older people.

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Also, according to the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health, the healthy
aging strategy vision is that older people should live well and age well (World Health
Organization, 2017). According to the strategy, fostering healthy ageing requires proper
commitment as well as leadership. Investment on the wellbeing of the older population is
necessary in this regard as it provides significant economic and social return. For example,
investment in health systems that are specifically aligned to the health status of the older
people will contribute in the improvement of their health status. Investment in order to
improve the access of transportation, communication technologies can be helpful to support
aging population around the world. The strategies also described that enabling all people to
live requires a multi-sectoral approach with the strong support and engagement from diverse
sectors. Also, effective governance of healthy ageing requires legislations and planning to
establish the rights and dignity of older population (Steels, 2015). Association of older people
and their families can help in creating more effective and accountable policies. Strngthening
national capacities to formulate evidence-based policies are another strategy suggested by
Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health. In order to ensure that the actions are
informed by evidence then policy makers need to be aware of the key research findings. If the
age friendly actions are coordinated across multiple sectors then they can enhance the range
of functional abilities. Fostering older people’s autonomy is another effective strategy to
address age friendly concept. Both the papers discussed the importance of taking care of the
aging populations and some effective strategies to implement in this regard. However,
government actions require support from the older people as well as from their families to
integrate the strategies into practice.
Rationale for age friendly environment
Age friendly environment not only addresses the physical wellbeing of the older
people but also focuses the mental happiness of the older community. The older populations

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who are willing to use technologies but cannot access due to lack of knowledge about the
usage also can access with the help of SeniorNet program (Appannah & Biggs, 2015). Also,
throughout New Zealand, some cooking classes are run by seniors to support the older
population who wanted to become chef. Again, social participation is another important
perspective to enhance the mental happiness of the older population so that they cannot feel
alone or isolated from the society being aged. Around New Zealand, there are various
swimming and yoga classes for the older population so that can effective participation can
help in boosting the balance and strength of the participants which will be really helpful for
the aging population to prevent fall and fall related injuries. Participation of older adults in all
the aspects of entertainment can enhance their happiness and they will fell valued as well as
active participant in the society. Age friendly environment also supports employment and
community involvement of the older population to have a valuable contribution to the
society. Seniors are recognized for their productivity in their workplaces and utilizing their
skills and experiences improving working efficiency are possible and also it determines the
effective participation and involvement of them in the community through volunteering, and
supporting local events as well as taking part in local policies. Maintaining mobility for the
seniors is challenging and important for wellbeing. Therefore, access to different services and
a continued connection with the society, it is important to have a proper transportation facility
that supports aging population. On the other hand, senior playgrounds are available in New
Zealand to address the age friendly concept. It will help the older people to actively
participate in some playful activities which will develop their association with the society and
they can forge new friendships. It will also help them to have social inclusion and support a
good health. Also, seniors are respected to choose their own houses where they are
comfortable to live in. All these initiatives are taken as age friendly concepts to support older
population of New Zealand and evidences show that it produces better outcome to the

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physical as well as the mental health of the ageing population which increases life
expectancy.
Conclusion
Aging population is a sensitive and most respectful part of the society and the
increased life expectancy always increases the number of aging population. However, there
are various challenges to support older people and in this paper all of them are addressed
thoroughly. At the beginning of the paper, the statistics regarding life expectancy in the New
Zealand and other countries have been compared. Some effective strategies to increase the
life expectancy have also been discussed in this paper. The “age friendly” concept of New
Zealand is quite effective in addressing older people and here in the paper, it has been
analyzed how some different articles and literatures describe the effectiveness and
importance of this concept. Finally, the rationale of “age friendly” concept is also depicted in
the paper. It is assumed that proper policies and support can help older population to live long
and increase the life expectancy.

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