Grant Thornton International, a global organization of accounting and consulting, published a new report today showing that the needs of the senior adults, aging 65 years old and above, would increase by 84% within the next 15 years.

The report revealed that by the year 2026, the population of elders would exceed the 512,000 people, recorded in 2010, and would reach around 944,000 people. The rise comes among the overall growth in the country's population.

The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Association of Aged Care Providers, Martin Taylor, commented on the result of the report saying that the 80% service that the Aged Care Association ensures for the elders might not be enough. However, according to Mr. Taylor, the residential care would be the main service on which the senior population depends.

He added, "The challenges are major and urgent and will take a robust collaborative approach between the key stakeholders, particularly the providers, the DHBs and Government to identify and implement the solutions".

The report also showed that in 2026 the need for rest home beds will increase by 110% on the highest level and by 78% on the minimum level.

The report was sponsored by the District Health Boards (DHBs), and the Ministry of Health and the members of the residential aged care sector.