Life experience has more value than Google, ChatGPT or AI

International Day for Older Persons on Wednesday, 1 October 2025

In a world where artificial intelligence can generate answers in seconds and information is always at our fingertips, it’s easy to forget that some things simply can’t be rushed – like life experience.

Wisdom, resilience, and insight are earned through years of living, learning, and adapting. This International Day for Older Persons, celebrated on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, Enliven, a health and disability service run by Presbyterian Support, is inviting New Zealanders to pause and reflect on how we can better support and value older people in our communities, even in small yet meaningful ways.

Enliven is a recognised industry leader in New Zealand’s for-purpose, not-for-profit sector, supporting more than 14,200 older people nationwide through a wide range of aged care and community-based services. Support is provided by more than 3000 Enliven staff and about 365 volunteers.

To mark International Day for Older Persons, Enliven is also launching a nationwide online survey asking Kiwis to share their views on ageing and how society can better respect and support older New Zealanders.

“Older New Zealanders carry an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge,” says Enliven national spokesperson Dr Prudence Stone. “They’ve raised families, built communities, adapted to huge social and technological changes, and they continue to contribute in countless ways. 

“Respecting their preferences, supporting independence, and focusing on wellness rather than illness isn’t just good care, it’s good for society,” she says.

Enliven provides support to older people and those living with disabilities across Aotearoa New Zealand, helping them maintain independence and live fulfilling lives. Services include in-home practical support, engaging day programmes, short-term respite and health recovery services, as well as residential aged care and retirement village communities– all tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities. 

Aotearoa New Zealand’s population is ageing at a steady pace, driven by declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy. According to Stats NZ, by 2040 it is projected that one in four New Zealanders will be over the age of 65.

“The contribution of older New Zealanders is often undervalued, despite their lifelong efforts. This is despite older people contributing to society and the economy as employees, business owners, volunteers, and carers,” says Dr Stone. 

“Others have spent their lives contributing to society and we have much to learn and admire from them. However, we are exposed to negative messages about older people, so our brains are wired to form judgements about people based on their age. 

“Although New Zealand fares better than many countries, negative stereotypes – like seeing older people as frail or dependent, still persist, and can negatively affect health outcomes, including causing older people to feel isolated and lonely.

“Moving to a model of wellness rather than illness and treating people with respect and dignity is hugely beneficial for society overall,” she says.

Enliven’s national survey launches on Wednesday 1 October and is open to people of all ages. It's an opportunity to share ideas on how we can foster a more inclusive, respectful society for older people. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LM7W8K6 to take the survey and show your support this International Day for Older Persons.

Four meaningful ways we can show how we appreciate older people as we celebrate International Day for Older Persons:

1.   Mentorship

Older people are excellent mentors for others.  Our older people have so much to teach us. Let’s find ways of connecting with them so that this can happen.

2.   Visits

Loneliness is a growing issue, and connection makes a big difference. A simple phone call or visit can turn someone’s whole day around.

3.   Storytelling 

Take time to hear older people’s stories.  Encourage them to record them so future generations can have a valuable insight into what it “used to be like” back in the day. 

4.   Connection

Find ways of connecting people of all generations with each other. This fosters mutual learning, joy and laughter between young and old.

To find out about Enliven services in your region, or to arrange an interview, contact

Vicky Prout at Presbyterian Support NZ, vicky.prout@ps.org.nz, 027 286 8272.

Editors Notes:

· The Enliven national online survey will be open until the end of October. Survey results will be collated, publicised, and shared within the Enliven community, Presbyterian Support, and with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

· Enliven has a strong presence in seven Presbyterian Support regions (Northern, East Coast, Central, Upper South Island, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland), each with differing services and community stories. 

· Services provided by Enliven throughout New Zealand include in-home practical support, engaging day programmes, Individualised Funding, short-term respite and health recovery services, as well as residential aged care and retirement village communities. All services are tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities.

· The principles of caring, enabling and supporting underpin all Enliven services. We believe it is important to recognise emotional, cultural and social needs, as well as meeting practical day-to-day care requirements.

· Ageism is the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others and ourselves based on age.

· According to Stats NZ projections, the share of people aged 65+ is expected to rise to 21–25 % by 2048, and possibly 24–32 % by 2073.