| |
| |
| From Minister for Seniors Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall |
 After a major collaborative effort, I am pleased to announce that we officially launched the Better Later Life Action Plan on September 30th. COVID-19 scuppered hopes of gathering in person, so we enjoyed a virtual launch at the Vision for Ageing in Aotearoa Conference, arranged by Age Concern New Zealand and the New Zealand Association of Gerontology.
The Action Plan sets out the Government’s priorities and commitments to deliver the Better Later Life strategy over the next three years (2021 -2024).
It aims to ensure New Zealanders have what they need, to age well - with a particular focus on employment, housing and digital inclusion. This work brings together iwi, local government, NGOs, community groups, and families. I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has contributed to its development.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shaped this Action Plan. We have prioritised actions that will support our response to New Zealand’s COVID-19 recovery.
We are living in unprecedented times. Few could have imagined the scale of change the pandemic would bring for New Zealand. It has intensified many of the pressing challenges faced by our ageing population. Working together, through this plan we will ensure every New Zealander has a better later life.
This is also the first edition of the refreshed, and newly named, Seniors Newsletter. If you are a regular reader of these newsletters, I’m sure you have already noticed some of the exciting changes. The Seniors Newsletter is written to provide helpful and interesting information specifically for New Zealanders aged 65 and over. While the design has changed to improve the experience for the reader, the type of stories you find within it will remain the same. And like its predecessor, it is still being put together by the Office for Seniors.
The launch of this Seniors Newsletter has been timed to coincide with a reason for celebration - International Day of Older Persons. I hope you have all found a way to recognise this important day in spite of COVID-19 restrictions.
Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 12 and over can book their free COVID-19 vaccination now. I know many of you would have already received both doses of the vaccine, but if you haven’t and you are able to, please book in to help protect yourself and our communities. You can book your appointments through the Book My Vaccine Website or book over the phone by calling 0800 28 29 26. You can also book on behalf of someone else, or help them with their booking, if you have their permission. Check in with those around you who might need a bit of extra support.
I hope you all enjoy reading the Seniors Newsletter and have a great International Day of Older Persons |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| International Day of Older Persons |
| |
|
| |
Today is the International Day of Older Persons. It’s an important occasion to highlight the contributions of older people across the globe, as well as raising the awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
International day of Older Persons has been running for 30 years and is a United Nations initiative that is celebrated around the world.
Older New Zealanders make major contributions to society through a number of ways including volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities, leading businesses and participating in the paid labour force.
Across the world the number of seniors is expected to more than double to over 2 billion in 2050. Here in New Zealand we will have 1.2 million New Zealanders aged over 65 years in just twenty years which will represent over a fifth (21%) of our population.
This year’s theme ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’ reinforces the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older people.
An important part of our work is providing training and support for seniors to enter the digital world. Our Digital Literacy training programme is offered through two providers, Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa and 2020 Communications Trust who have provided essential digital skills and literacy training for up to 4,700 people.
Increasing older peoples trust and confidence in carrying out online activities, including staying connected with families and friends is important. Through these programmes older New Zealanders are able to keep up with technology as it changes.
The 2021 theme of ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’ reminds us how important it is we support our older friends and family in navigating the world of technology. Happy International Day of Older Persons.
You can find more about our Digital Literacy programme below: |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
 Taking up a sport in later life has a host of benefits and enriches the lives of many older people throughout New Zealand. In this issue we talk to veteran fencer Grant Tweddle.
Grant, is an active member of the Wellington Swords Club. Originally from Nelson he has called Wellington home for the last 36 years. Grant started fencing as a high school student back in the 1970s encouraged by two of his teachers who were coaches.
Grant competed in the sport for many years and then took a 20-year break. It was only after his children started fencing that he was inspired to get back into the sport.
“Fencing took a back seat as life got busy in my 30s. I kind of hung up my fencing mask and foil for a while. It wasn’t till I started attended fencing competitions with my children that I decided to get back into the sport again. I’m glad I did.”
“What I enjoy most about the sport is being part of the fencing community. I also enjoy the physical and mental challenge of competing against someone else. You need to be able to outthink and outwit your opponent. It’s not just a physical game, you have to employ tactics.”
Grant is a member of the Wellington Swords Club which provides opportunities for fencers of all ages. They have a number of active members who are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
“Fencing keeps me fit, healthy and helps me sleep better. It’s a sport you can start in later life, many people do. There are clubs all over New Zealand. Get in touch with your local club and give it a go. You will find coaches and other club members willing to help you get started.”
Community sport and recreation brings many positive aspects into people’s lives. It has the ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds for a common positive purpose. By participating together, seniors are exposed to different perspectives, new friendships, and wider networks.
Mental capacity, good health, social connectedness are all important parts of the jigsaw of wellbeing in our older years. Whether it’s fencing, walking or even Tai Chi, do something for you that contributes to your overall wellbeing. We hope this story has given you some inspiration today. To find out more information about activities in your area, contact your local council or keep an eye out on your community noticeboards |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman |
| |
|
| |
By the time people reach 50, they’ve usually experienced numerous insurance policies, like home and contents, vehicle, life, health and income cover. Unfortunately, despite this experience, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) Scheme regularly sees complaints from people who thought their policy gave them cover but, when they came to make a claim, discovered that it didn’t. A common misunderstanding lies in what exclusions can cut out.
Take the example of Rebecca who came to the IFSO Scheme after her claim for carpet to be replaced was not accepted by her insurer. Rebecca said she was moving her large pot plant and suddenly discovered the carpet underneath it was ruined. She realised she had been over-watering the plant for months. Rebecca made a claim and she was horrified to have it rejected as being “gradual damage”, which was an exclusion in her policy. Gradual damage means that, although Rebecca’s discovery was sudden, the damage had been occurring over some time and, therefore, it was excluded from cover.
Another problematic area for seniors is funeral insurance. It’s often sold as an “affordable way to ease the financial burden on your loved ones”. But is it really? Consumers need to understand that, sometimes, they will pay more in premiums for funeral cover than the cover is worth. This will happen when funeral cover is held for a long time. It is not a savings product and, if premiums are not paid, the cover will usually lapse. The IFSO Scheme holds concerns about funeral insurance and expects to see the risk of paying more than the sum insured clearly notified to the consumer.
Because funeral cover is a risk-based policy, the insurer takes the risk of paying a claim before the premiums paid are equal to the sum insured. On the other hand, the insured risks paying more in premiums than the sum insured. Because funeral insurance can have relatively low sums insured, the risk of premiums overtaking the sum insured increases as an insured person ages.
Take the case of Rachel, who complained to the IFSO Scheme that she had paid nearly $10,000 in premiums over many years, and since she retired, couldn’t afford to keep paying. She contacted the insurer which told her that, if she stopped paying the premiums, she’d lose the entire amount she’d paid over the years and would no longer be covered. A devastating situation and one we don’t want consumers to have to deal with.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme resolves complaints about insurance and financial services. This service is independent and fair, and free for consumers. If you have a concern about a policy, or think you have not been treated fairly you can call 0800 888 202 or you can check out our website below |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| Check what you might get calculator |
| |
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
Wondering if you are getting your correct entitlements from The Ministry of Social Development?
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) want to ensure you are getting the money you are entitled to. If you have on-going health costs you may qualify for a Disability Allowance (if you take regular medication or need batteries for a hearing aid, these are the kinds of costs this can cover).
If you have high accommodation costs you might qualify for an Accommodation Supplement. If you live alone you may qualify for the Living Alone Allowance.
In addition to this, MSD may be able to help with a Special Needs Grant or an advance if you have trouble paying for surprise costs for things such as reading glasses or dental work.
Check which payments you might qualify for by visiting the link below. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Travelling overseas during COVID pandemic |
| |
|
| |
If you're thinking about travelling overseas, it's vitally important you check the Work and Income rules before you go.
Some NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension clients are unfortunately stuck overseas and unable to return, because they haven’t been able to secure a place in a managed isolation and quarantine facility.
If you do decide to leave the country, you will need to visit the Work and Income website and complete a form.
Don’t go overseas without checking the Work and Income rules. If you can’t get back and you’re away for longer than you’re allowed under usual Absence from New Zealand rules, you may need to pay some of your payments back to Work and Income.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens who are experiencing difficulties overseas. If you’re stuck overseas, please contact your local embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Read the Work and Income rules about going overseas by visiting the link below: |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| New Office for Seniors website |
| |
|
|
|
 |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Our new website is now live officeforseniors.govt.nz
The new Office for Seniors website provides an easy pathway to connect you with helpful information relevant for older people from other organisations, and Government Departments such as where to go online to update your tax code for your NZ Super or to apply for an insulation grant.
This website was developed with an older audience in mind, especially for those with visual impairments, so it’s easy to use and navigate. It also gives an insight into the work of the Office for Seniors and will replace the SuperSeniors website.
If you are looking for helpful information or want to learn more about the Office for Seniors check out our new website below: |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Better Later Life Action Plan |
| |
|
| |
The Better Later Life Action Plan sets out the governments priorities and commitments to deliver the Better Later Life strategy over the next three years (2021 -2024).
COVID-19 has made significant changes to New Zealanders lives. The Action Plan focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on older people and contributes to the recovery by focusing on three priority areas: Employment, Digital Inclusion and Housing.
Progress on the Action Plan will be tracked by two-yearly reporting to the government on actions taken. These reports will be published on the Office for Seniors website.
You can read the Action Plan on the new Office for Seniors website by visiting the link below: |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
Tuesday, October 12, marks World Arthritis Day which raises awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Arthritis is a painful condition that affects over 647,000 New Zealanders.
Arthritis can affect people of all ages but is particularly prevalent in older people. There are more than 140 different kinds of arthritis. In New Zealand, the most common forms are osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain is common to nearly all types of arthritis but may come and go and vary in intensity. Swelling and stiffness are other classic symptoms. Inflammatory arthritis can cause fatigue, fever, or rash.
Arthritis New Zealand hosts a number of support groups across the country and also supports exercise classes for people with arthritis. For more information visit the Arthritis New Zealand website below or call 0800 663 463 and ask to speak to an Arthritis Educator. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Winter Energy Payment |
| |
|
| |
The Winter Energy Payment has ended for this year. You’ll receive three days of the Winter Energy Payment with your final 12 October 2021 payment.
If you have any concerns about costs, please get in touch with Work and Income Seniors Support Centre on 0800 552 002. If you qualify for the Winter Energy Payment next year, you’ll get it automatically from 1 May until 1 October 2022.
For more information on the Winter Energy Payment visit the link below.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
| |
| Age friendly fund |
| |
|
| |
You only have a few more days to get your application in for the Age friendly Fund.
The grants are open to any New Zealand council, community organisation, or registered non-profit organisation. All applications must be supported by the local council.
The fund makes one-off grants from $5,000 up to $15,000 and applications for 2021 are being accepted until 4 October 2021.
You can find more information on the Age friendly Fund, including the eligibility criteria by visting the link below. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| |
Disclaimer: The SuperGold Card programme enables independent businesses to offer discounts and benefits to older New Zealanders.
The Ministry of Social Development is not associated with any seller and does not guarantee any representation made by a seller and any future dispute will need to be taken up with the seller not the Ministry of Social Development. Offers range in size and nature and cardholders should always check to see if a better offer is available locally.
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| You’re receiving this email because you’ve agreed to receive emails from MSD. Please add us to your address book or safe sender list to make sure you receive our emails. |
| This email is sent from an account we use for sending messages only. If you want to contact Office for Seniors, please don’t reply to this email – we won’t get your response. Instead please contact us. |
| If you’ve changed or are changing your email address, please let us know using MyMSD if you’re registered, or contact us. |
| Remember, we’ll never ask you for your account or login details by email. You can find out more in our privacy statement. |
Ministry of Social Development
56 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand |
|
|
|
|
