Health and Wellbeing of Older New Zealanders

Thank you for your interest in the Health and Wellbeing of Older New Zealanders study, which is being run by researchers at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and is funded by the Ministry of Social Development. Professor Denise Wilson is leading the research alongside researchers from the New Zealand Policy Research Institute.

We’re interested in speaking to New Zealanders aged 55 years or older about their experience of being harmed or mistreated as an older person by someone close to them.

We invite you to take part in our research if you are:

• 55 years or older, AND
• identify as New Zealand European, Māori, Pacific, or as someone with a disability, AND
• have been harmed or mistreated as an older person by someone close to you, like a family member, friend, neighbour, etc. (but not by a stranger - it must be someone you knew beforehand and had a close relationship with)

Taking part in the research involves participating in a confidential one-on-one interview about your experience. If you prefer, you can take part in a group discussion instead. We want to hear your story of being harmed or mistreated as an older person by someone close to you.

If you are interested in taking part in this research, contact Dr Leon Iusitini at leon.iusitini@aut.ac.nz or 09 921 9999 extension 7933. Leon can provide further information about the study and arrange a confidential interview.

If you have concerns about how you are being treated or feel frightened or unsafe, free help is available 24 hours a day at the Elder Abuse Response Service, freephone 0800 326 6865, text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz. If you are in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the police.

This study was approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 18 April 2024, AUTEC reference number 24/49.