PHOTO
Senior citizens are not an issue that society needs to solve, but rather "an opportunity we need to realise", the Minister for Seniors says.
Minister for Seniors Casey Costello spoke at the Alexandra District Club on Tuesday about the government’s Better Later Life Action Plan 2025-28, its plan to support older people, respond to cost of living pressures and strengthen aged care.
Ms Costello said the plan followed a year-long "comprehensive stocktake of what services government provides", carried out by a Ministerial Advisory Group set up last year.
The advisory group was made up of aged care providers, GPs, corporates and community groups.
A full report would be made public shortly, she said.
Ms Costello outlined the economic contribution of over 65s, pointing to $9 billion a year in paid work and $5 billion in self-employment, plus an estimated $20 billion in unpaid work.
"Everywhere I go, I see unpaid work happening.
"Whether it’s grandparents caring for grandchildren, volunteer and community events, sports clubs, town events," she said.
Older people did not just need support, "they provide it".
"An ageing population is not a problem we need to solve, but an opportunity we need to realise," she said.
The SuperGold Card was now free, though its upgraded rollout was not due until October 2028.
Ms Costello noted one in five cardholders did not have a driver’s licence and two in five did not have a passport, making the card "a crucial part of identification".
She also pointed to libraries hosting digital literacy sessions as a way of turning technology into "a positive social experience".
And she raised awareness of elder abuse, saying "we want to ensure those connecting with older people know what to look for and how to respond".
Grey Power Central Otago president Lorraine McKeown said the event was about "connection and common cause".
"We’re all ageing and facing the same pressures."
She said she felt largely positive about the minister’s views but raised concern about the delay in some areas, notably the SuperGold Card was not due to be rolled out until October 2028.
"For many, it is an essential means of identification."
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said she wanted seniors to live "active, engaged, connected" lives, citing housing and accessibility to services as a major priority.