Education and connection key to senior success

Older New Zealanders will have more living choices, stronger social support and greater awareness if Minister for Seniors Casey Costello’s Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 delivers on its promises.

Casey says the plan “consists of a range of practical improvements and is built around a simple goal – helping every New Zealander to live well for longer”.
Before developing the plan, a stock take revealed more than 50 services for older people delivered by 23 agencies.

“It’s a two-pronged plan with awareness and agency intersection – people weren’t aware of what was available because of the siloed nature that many services are, but we want to optimise what we’ve already got using groups like Grey Power and Age Concern to advocate and build awareness,” Casey says.

New initiatives include reviewing driver licensing rules, strengthening protections against elder abuse, modernising the SuperGold Card, digital training through libraries and tools to help people plan for later life.

“It’s aimed at the 50 plus rather than the 65 plus, recognising that people might want to change career paths with the same planning applying as for younger people – work skills programmes, digital training, education opportunities should exist for older people, as well as recognising the skill and experience volunteers bring, and what we can do to support those other initiatives.”

Casey says building smaller occupancy residences, whether through 70sqf ‘granny flat’ law changes or constructing smaller homes in places where services are easily accessible, will allow seniors to “downsize in a way they see fit”, while working on a parallel plan for aged care funding.

“If people choose to stay in their existing home, what do we need to do to make sure they can? And if they want to downsize, whether into a flat where they love living or elsewhere, how do we ensure those options exist through building and consents, especially in areas like Marlborough?

“I’ve been handed the aged care section of health, and I’m looking to ensure there’s the funding to ensure the workforce is protected and developed. We want people to stay well and independent for as long as possible and to support social connection. We need to increase access to the right types of housing in the places people want to live. And we need to help older people remain financially secure and keep control over their lives.”

The plan is available at officeforseniors.govt.nz.