Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

Results from the 2013 Census are in, and the Coromandel electorate shares the honour of being one of New Zealand's most mature.

Along with Otaki, up the coast from Wellington, our median age is 47.9 years.

At the other end of the scale, Mangere electorate is a full two decades younger than ours, with a median age of 27.9. The national average is 38.

New Zealand's Census is a huge undertaking, as people from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island answer a range of questions about their households, incomes, beliefs and more.

The statistics they deliver give an immensely important insight for those tasked with planning our communities' futures.

They give us an indication of what medical facilities we may need, how many children will be at our schools, if our roads are adequate – just to name a few.

Many people chose to retire to our region for many reasons; the great climate, natural environment, beaches, to be near family.

And as an electorate with an older population, the lifestyles and needs of the Coromandel electorate's senior citizens must be carefully considered.

Indeed, overall, New Zealand is an aging population and I'm pleased the Ministry of Health is keeping a careful eye on this.

For example, we want to ensure the 32,000 people in our rest homes are getting the highest quality healthcare possible.

To that end, the Ministry of Health is investing another $18 million on their care.

From mid next year, the money will be used to provide support and training for nurses and rest homes.

The Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew tells me every rest home resident will be assessed on 22 key aspects of their health as soon as they move into a home.

Those will include issues such as nutrition, cognition, skin condition and falls.

Those assessments will be repeated at least every six months, and any necessary changes to their plan of care will be made.

This is great news for our senior citizens. In later years, many of us will need more help.

It is reassuring to know extra training is being given to those charged with caring for our rest home residents.