How Sharing Your Care Experience Can Fight Ageism

In New Zealand, where the population of people aged 65 and over is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2034 (Stats NZ), the way we talk about aging matters. Ageism—stereotypes and discrimination based on age—can undermine the dignity and potential of older Kiwis, painting them as frail, dependent, or out of touch. But there’s a powerful way to challenge these myths: sharing your experiences through reviews of aged care facilities and retirement villages on our platform AgedAdvisor.nz or senioradvisor.co.nz. By highlighting positive care stories, you can reshape perceptions, improve care standards, and empower others to make informed choices. Here’s how your voice can make a difference.

Why Reviews Matter in the Fight Against Ageism

Ageism often thrives on assumptions, like the idea that older adults are inherently dependent or that quality care is a rarity. Reviews on AgedAdvisor.nz and Senior Advisor, New Zealand’s largest independent review platforms for aged care and retirement villages, help counter these stereotypes by showcasing real stories of vibrant, engaged seniors thriving in care settings. For example, a review praising a rest home’s lively community events, like movie nights or gardening clubs, challenges the myth that care facilities are isolating. Similarly, sharing how staff respect residents’ independence can debunk the notion that seniors lose agency in care.

Transparency through reviews also drives accountability. When families share feedback about exceptional care, such as a dementia unit’s compassionate approach, it encourages facilities to maintain high standards. A 2024 AgedAdvisor article (AgedAdvisor.nz, Jan 23, 2025) noted that reviews promote transparency and improve care quality. By posting a review, you’re not just helping others choose the right care—you’re showing that older adults deserve and receive respect, choice, and quality of life.

Tips for Writing Constructive Reviews

Writing a review doesn’t need to be daunting. Whether you’re an older adult, a family member, or a caregiver, your perspective can inspire change. Here are some tips to craft a constructive review that fights ageism:

• Be Specific: Highlight details that showcase quality care or challenge stereotypes. For example, instead of writing “The staff are great,” say, “The staff at [Facility Name] encouraged my mother to join a weekly art class, which boosted her confidence and joy.”

• Focus on Positives: Share stories of empowerment, like how a retirement village’s fitness program helped a resident stay active, countering myths of frailty. Positive feedback amplifies what works well.

• Acknowledge Improvements: If a facility addressed a concern, mention it. For instance, “After we raised an issue about meal variety, the home introduced new menu options, including Māori-inspired dishes.”

• Be Fair but Honest: If care wasn’t perfect, note areas for improvement constructively. For example, “The activities are wonderful, but more weekend outings would make a big difference.”

• Use AgedAdvisor.nz: Post your review on AgedAdvisor.nz or Senior Advisor (Independent living), which is independent and unaffiliated with care providers, ensuring your voice is heard without bias.

Real Impact: How Reviews Change Lives

Your review can have a ripple effect, driving improvements in care and challenging ageist stereotypes across New Zealand. The New Zealand’s Best Awards, hosted by Seniors New Zealand, celebrate excellence in retirement villages and care home facilities, with winners selected based on thousands of independent reviews from residents, families, and staff. In 2024, these awards recognised facilities like Settlers Lifestyle Village in Albany and Waihi Lodge Care Centre (Geraldine) in the South Island, which were praised for their vibrant communities and compassionate care. These accolades, driven by user feedback, highlight how seniors thrive in environments that prioritise independence, cultural sensitivity, and engagement, countering myths of dependency or isolation.

Reviews directly influence care quality by identifying what works and where improvements are needed. For example, feedback has led to enhanced staff training, more diverse activities like art classes and cultural events, and better dining options at facilities like St Patricks Home and Hospital in Epsom, which won Best Aged Care (over 40 beds) in 2023 for its culturally inclusive care, including Chinese and Pacific Island menus (AgedAdvisor.nz, Awards). The awards, now in their tenth year, have collected nearly 11,300 reviews across 890+ facilities, with over 1,600 in-depth reviews contributing to the 2024 results. This feedback loop ensures facilities prioritise resident needs, from social activities to personalised care, reinforcing that older adults deserve respect and choice. By sharing your experience, you’re helping shape award-winning care and proving that aging can be vibrant and fulfilling.

Connecting to a Bigger Cause

The World Health Organization notes that negative stereotypes about aging may shorten lifespans (WHO, Ageing and Health). By reviewing care experiences, you’re part of a movement to shift these narratives. Your feedback showcases older adults as individuals with diverse needs, passions, and contributions,not as a monolithic group defined by age.

For example, a review about a rest home’s tech classes for residents learning to use tablets counters the stereotype that seniors can’t embrace technology. Similarly, praising a facility’s support for residents’ hobbies, like woodworking or volunteering, shows that aging doesn’t mean slowing down.

How to Get Started

Ready to make a difference? Here’s how to share your care experience:

• Visit AgedAdvisor.nz: Navigate to the reviews section (AgedAdvisor.nz/reviews) and find the care home or village you want to review.

• Share Your Story: Write about what stood out, whether it’s the staff’s kindness, the range of activities, or how the care respected your loved one’s dignity.

• Inspire Others: Encourage friends or family to share their experiences too. The more voices, the stronger the impact.

• Explore Resources: Check AgedAdvisor’s articles for tips on choosing care or understanding terms like Occupation Rights Agreements (ORAs) (AgedAdvisor.nz, Jul 12, 2023).

A Call to Action

Ageism thrives in silence, but your review can break that cycle. By sharing your care experience on Aged Advisor and Senior Advisor, you’re not just helping others find the right home—you’re challenging outdated stereotypes and celebrating the value of older Kiwis. Whether it’s a story of a vibrant retirement village community or a rest home’s compassionate care, your words can inspire change. Take five minutes today to write a review and join the movement for positive aging in Aotearoa.

For support or more information, contact Age Concern (www.ageconcern.org.nz) or explore AgedAdvisor’s resources at www.agedadvisor.nz. Let’s make every voice count!