Ms 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 $5b in self-employment, plus an estimated $20b 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.
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 SuperGold Card ‘‘a crucial part of identification’’.
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 felt largely positive about the minister’s views but raised concern about the delay in some areas, noting the SuperGold Card was not due to be rolled out until October 2028.
Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley said she wanted seniors to live ‘‘active, engaged, connected’’ lives, citing housing and accessibility to services as a major priority.
