The government is working across several fronts to meet the demands of changing needs in our ageing population, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello says.
Speaking at last week’s Cambridge Grey Power meeting at Taylor Made Community Centre, the New Zealand First MP said the changing dynamics of seniors, particularly in terms of housing and health, must be factored into any new initiatives.
Casey Costello
“So much of what we understand about ageing has changed, and we need to respond to that. We have to be smart about how we deal with health and housing in that sector.”
People are living and working longer, and an increasing number won’t have paid off their home when they retired, she said.
“In 10 years, 21 percent of our population will be over 65, with a greater number than ever aged over 80. In some areas of the country, those percentages will be even higher.”
The l view that most New Zealanders would live mortgage free post-retirement is also fading, she said, adding that over 20 percent of those reaching 65 today do not own their own home.
There was a shortage of aged care housing stock and ageing problems related to current stock, she said. Adding to that was a scarcity of respite-type accommodation, pressure around dementia care, limited psychogeriatric facilities, and employment shortages in the sector, particularly for in-home services, plus a cost of living crisis that is exacerbating the situation for all sectors of society.
“The model we have has been not fit-for-purpose for some time and has not been adequately funded,” Costello said. “We are currently working on a number of initiatives. This sector is a huge priority for the government and there is a lot of work going on.”
Growth in capacity and options is required, she said, and local councils need to upgrade existing pensioner housing and build more. “There are some amazing social housing projects being delivered, but they are not evenly distributed around the country.
Costello, who is also Associate Minister across both police and health portfolios, said the government was actively addressing issues around the cost of living and the provision of health services to seniors.
Budget 2024’s allocation of $2.12 billion for primary care and public health was aimed in part at driving some healthcare services back to communities, she said, and further planned investment is aimed at expanding cancer screening and lowering wait times for early diagnosis or emergency clinical care.
Casey Costello, addressing Cambridge Grey Power last week.
