Supporting older people
This Action Plan aims to drive key shifts in how we support older people
Health and care services
Older people maintain independence and social connection through improved driver licence systems
Current state
In later life, driver licences must be renewed more often and a medical certificate is required. This policy will be reviewed and there could be improvements in how medical assessments are carried out. Losing a drivers licence significantly impacts on older people’s quality of life, particularly social connectedness and their ability to access the services they need.
Future state
We are enabling older people to more easily retain the ability to drive safely for as long as possible. Older people will be able to keep active in their communities for longer; accessing what they need, when they need it and staying connected with family and friends.
Older people have the skills to stay digitally connected
Current state
Digital literacy training has been funded through the Office for Seniors since 2020, supporting over 5,000 older people. While this approach was successful, training across the country largely remains ad hoc and is not supported by an all-of-government approach to enable the digital inclusion of older people.
Future state
Communities have the infrastructure to leverage effective digital literacy training programmes, including libraries and community hubs. Local communities will be supported by central government to deliver training. Older people will be able to access timely, local support when they need it and will improve their skills. In turn, this will support access to other services and increase social connection.
Older people can access and navigate the services they need, when they need them
Current state
Accessing support at the right time is critical for older people to live well. Health and social services are too often delivered in silos and can be limited in providing timely and targeted wraparound support. This can make it difficult for older people to know about, navigate and access the range of supports available.
Future state
Older people are supported to understand, navigate and access the full range of social and health services available to them in a timely manner. This includes knowledge of and access to both locally and centrally provided services which consider the unique needs of the individual.
Protect older people from abuse
Current state
The release of the National Prevalence Study of Abuse of Older People in late 2025 will provide updated data on the prevalence of abuse of older people in New Zealand and create an opportunity to improve cross-agency prevention.
Future state
Cross-agency services and supports for the prevention of abuse of older people are strengthened and improved, informed by findings from the National Prevalence Study.
Housing
Older people can access the right housing in the right place
Current state
Some older people are struggling to meet housing related costs, particularly those who are renting or paying a mortgage. We have a shortage of affordable, accessible housing and many experience challenges trying to find housing that meets their needs.
Future state
We are delivering the right housing in the right place, for the right people. Secure, affordable housing is the foundation of wellbeing and allows older people to more easily access the wider services available to them in their community.
Cost-of-living
Older people are supported to put legal protections in place to protect themselves and their assets
Current state
There is low awareness of what an Enduring Power of Attorney is and why it is needed. People do not understand why they should spend money to put this legal arrangement in place. Uptake is low, causing flow on impacts for older people, their families and the healthcare system.
Future state
We want all older people to know what an Enduring Power of Attorney is and the legal protection it provides. People know where to go for support and advice. If more people have Enduring Powers of Attorney, we are also likely to see easier transitions from hospital to long-term or home-based care and reduced stress in families.
Older people are supported to make their money go further
Current state
People do not always know what to do with their KiwiSaver when they access it or how to make it last for the rest of their life. We can also do more to help people make the most of their income if they are working past the age of eligibility for NZ Superannuation.
Future state
We will improve support for people so they can plan for how to use their KiwiSaver in later life.
Older people gain further benefits from the SuperGold Card
Current state
The SuperGold Card is well utilised by older New Zealanders. We want to maintain its relevance and usefulness by continuing to extend its benefits.
Future state
The SuperGold Card continues to be well utilised. Older New Zealanders feel supported by the benefits and discounts it provides.
Employment outcomes for older workers are improved
Current state
Some older workers are struggling in a challenging labour market and are facing additional barriers, such as ageism. There are also high numbers of older people receiving a benefit who are aged 50+. Without support and intervention, some of this group will go on to struggle in later life.
Future state
Employers will be supported to better meet the needs of their older workers. Older workers will feel valued and able to continue contributing. Support will be provided to jobseekers aged 50+ who need a bit more help to get back into the workforce. This will improve their wellbeing both now and when they reach later life.
Banking services and cash are accessible to older people
Current state
Banks are increasingly reliant on customers accessing their services digitally. This is making it hard for some older people who are digitally and/or financially excluded. Some are becoming reliant on support from friends and family, but this leaves them vulnerable to financial abuse.
Future state
Older people will be able to access banking services in ways that work for them. Older people will be able to access their money in a timely way. Decreased reliance on others for support is a protective factor against abuse.
Resourcing
Advancing the priority actions in this Action Plan will be subject to normal resource allocation decisions for responsible agencies, including subsequent Government Budgets. The scale at which actions can be pursued may be subject to these decisions.