NEW YORK (August 11, 2016) – Michael W. Hodin, the CEO of the Global Coalition on Aging, today gave the keynote address at the Leading Edge Symposium in Tauranga, New Zealand, a first-ever gathering on aging in the country. Speaking before New Zealand’s most prominent leaders in business, policy and academia, Hodin provided a global perspective on the market and policy opportunities stemming from population aging and highlighted examples and lessons for New Zealand as they explore this opportunity.

In the developed world, there are already more people over the age of 60 than under 15. New Zealand’s 65+ population is set to double in the next 20 years to 1.5 million people. This demographic trend will transform markets, workplaces and communities, and if properly addressed, can create new pathways for economic growth.

“GCOA is honored to have been invited by SUPA-NZ (Seniors Unite to Promote Age-Friendly New Zealand) to address such a distinguished group of New Zealand’s leaders,” said Hodin. “We congratulate attendees of the conference for proactively taking action to address population aging, the most consequential issue of the 21st century, for the benefit of all of New Zealand’s citizens.”