News

The Retirement Commission’s Super Summit in March provided an opportunity for a range of views from the panellists on the purpose and future of NZS to be debated. Despite the differences there was a general acceptance that NZS is a robust, sustainable, and affordable way to support older New Zealanders to live in dignity and mana when they are no longer able to work. Any adjustments to the settings of NZS need to be carefully evaluated and implemented in a way that maintains confidence in the security of future generations.

Grey Power has been lobbying for a change to the inconsistent ways in which GPs are assessing Seniors for Driving Licence renewals around the country. Many seniors are facing stressful testing with cognitive tests that test their memory, rather than their driving ability. Medical experts have demonstrated that these tests are not good predictors of driving ability when forced on all those seeking a licence renewal at age 75, and the every 2 years from age 80.

Jan Pentecost QSM, has been a tireless advocate for seniors throughout her 14 years on the Federation Board. Recently Jan retired as President for family & health reasons. She will be sorely missed as a compassionate President of the organisation for the last 4 years, as well as for her commitment to thoroughly research major issues for supporting the Federation’s advocacy work throughout her 14 years on the Board.

A report released today by the Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper highlights the need for action to meet the ongoing health and disability needs of older people. She says older people are enormously valuable in our communities. “With quality, accessible health and disability care they can maintain their independence and dignity and contribute to their communities for longer.” Grey Power supports the Commissioner’s recommendations and encourages Government to urgently implement practical solutions to the issues highlighted that adversely affect the growing number of vulnerable older people in our communities.

With the average funeral in NZ costing $10,000, one man has made it his mission to advocate for simpler less expensive options. Fergus Wheeler formed Death without Debt to advocate for the right to an affordable and dignified funeral that doesn’t financially cripple the family. Read more

This is a wake-up call on the need for better planning to avoid a growing crisis with the costs and availability of aged residential care as our population rapidly ages. Grey Power and other organisations are urging Government and relevant agencies to urgently address this issue. Article by Clair Dale and Susan St John, from the Economic Policy Centre, Auckland University Business School. 

The housing crisis is hitting senior renters especially hard, and their numbers are set to double in 25 years. Rachel Judkins explores this unsettling trend.

A growing number of retirees are facing the challenge of renting as they age. Suitable affordable properties are rare, and often only offer short term tenancies resulting in uncertainty and stress.

The NZ housing crisis persists. Alan Maxwell highlights the need for downsizing-friendly units to free up family homes. He suggests deferred repayment bridging finance, citing Cork City Council’s Rightsizing Scheme as a model. The question remains: what solutions can the new Government bring?

ACC has launched Nymbl, a free balance training and education app that is available for anyone over the age of 50 to download and apply to their daily life. There are already over 40,000 users in New Zealand – choosing to prioritise balance in an easy way.

In Australia only 15% of over 65’s work, while in NZ it is 26%. Why the difference? Is it because NZ Super is too low, forcing older people to work, or is it the frustrating bureaucracy of the Australian Pension Scheme? Read this report from The Conversation.

The AgedAdvisor annual awards have been held every year for almost a decade now – celebrating the best-of-the-best in aged care and retirement and lifestyle villages across Aotearoa.