A/HRC/45/14/Add.2 within States and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. It is also essential to foster the resilience of older persons and ensure that they participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies and decisions that affect them directly. Their experience, knowledge and skills should be part of all phases of the disaster risk reduction strategy, from mapping exercises to implementing solutions at the local level. 104. She encourages the Government to ensure an increased focus on the needs of older persons living in rural and remote areas, as well as small villages, including older Māori and Pasifika. It is essential to plan and implement viable transport and infrastructure options for the ageing population in order to ensure their access to essential services. Social protection and the right to social security 105. The Independent Expert applauds the Government for its unqualified universal non-contributory pension, the New Zealand Superannuation, as a critical instrument in poverty alleviation efforts. At the same time, she stresses that levels need to be adequate to effectively lift older persons out of poverty, particularly for those who cannot opt in to the KiwiSaver, the voluntary work-based savings scheme. The Independent Expert encourages the Government to further consolidate the progress achieved so far and to address issues of adequacy, equality, portability and sustainability in a more systematic manner. 106. As there is no mandatory retirement age, the Independent Expert notes the need for decent work policies, including for older persons, based on the concept of the International Labour Organization. Care 107. As ageing gathers pace, there will be an ever-growing proportion of older persons in need of long-term care. In light of the projected doubling of overall longterm care costs by 2050, the Independent Expert notes the significant lack of longterm care professionals that will arise, unless the Government adopts substantial measures. She stresses that this becomes more pressing as, for instance, the number of older Māori needing care could increase by more than 200 per cent by 2026. 108. The Independent Expert is concerned to learn that especially Māori, but also Pasifika, have shorter life expectancy and higher disability rates in general, which is simply not acceptable. She urges the Government to intensify its efforts to address what seem to be structural biases in and beyond the health-care system and to ensure that the needs of Māori and Pasifika, as well as other groups, including migrants and refugees, are adequately integrated in health and care policies. 109. She notes the need to review current respite arrangements and develop plans to recommission respite services that better meet the needs of caregivers, particularly those caring for persons with dementia, and that are more nationally consistent. As the care burden falls disproportionately on women, she encourages the Government to ensure better support for caregiving work so that women can extend their employment periods to improve their income and savings. 110. Noting the existing framework for dementia care, the Independent Expert recommends establishing a strategic policy on Alzheimer’s disease, but also other cognitive, mental and chronic health conditions, such as depression and Parkinson’s disease. While there has been a growing recognition of the shift from a medical model of care for older persons with dementia, which does not maximize the person’s wellbeing, independence and autonomy, there is still a long way to go to ensure a more integrated approach that includes both health and social aspects of care. The collection, assessment and analysis of disaggregated data on the prevalence of these conditions is essential to contribute to improved strategic planning and preparation of the health and care system, notably in respect of the challenges of long-term care. Furthermore, dementia care must better consider the needs of Māori, Pasifika and other communities. The Independent Expert welcomes the fact that the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been extended to cover secure older persons’ care facilities, including dementia residences. 18