Five pledges for investment in longer, better, more sustainable lives

The Selwyn Foundation co-sponsored Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing has called for urgent cross-sector action to support older New Zealanders to live longer, healthier and more connected lives at Parliament this morning.

Policy and decision-makers are being urged to back five transformative, yet cost-effective pledges that will support a New Zealand where everyone can thrive and age well in communities, thereby lifting wellbeing, boosting productivity and building national resilience. The pledges are evidence-based, drawing on research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), and offer practical solutions to significant issues that are currently undermining the potential and long-term opportunities arising from an ageing population: ageism, unsuitable and unaffordable housing, a lack of “whole-of-life” planning, loneliness and social isolation, and poor health outcomes

“Current approaches, which often perceive older people as frail and unwell dependents are outdated. Older generations are contributing longer, working later in life, and giving more through caregiving, volunteering and mentorship. Through changes in ageing policy, our older population can continue to be valued members of the workforce, strengthen communities and, importantly, age-in-place, therefore reducing long-term costs,” said Denise Cosgrove, Chair of the National Forum and Chief Executive of The Selwyn Foundation. “These pledges are about making longevity work for everyone, so that all New Zealanders can continue to thrive as they age.”

The parliamentary launch sponsored by Minister for Seniors Hon Casey Costello highlights how policy and decision-makers across both the public and private sectors can take practical steps to make better informed decisions which would unlock a “longevity dividend”, helping people live well for longer. The opportunity for longer working lives by choice, greater independence in older age, and stronger social and economic resilience for Aotearoa New Zealand would enable a healthier and more sustainable future for all. NZIER’s report, Longer, Better, More Sustainable Lives, confirms older generations are contributing far more to the workforce and economy than projected - with labour-force participation for those aged 65–69 rising from 10 percent in 1993 to almost 50 percent in 2023. The report reveals investment in healthy ageing and age-friendly communities makes common sense for New Zealand, reducing future healthcare costs while strengthening productivity and community life.

“Our ageing population is New Zealand’s fastest growing resource, so healthy ageing isn’t just good social policy, it’s good economics,” said Cosgrove. “When older people can stay active, connected and independent, we all benefit through reduced health costs, stronger communities and a more resilient economy.

“The Forum’s pledges are therefore a call to all sectors and political parties to work collaboratively on shared priorities that will deliver better outcomes for older New Zealanders and ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

Five pledges for a healthier, fairer future

Five Pledges for Healthy Ageing are practical steps to ensure every New Zealander can live longer, healthier and more connected lives. They call for action to:

1. Capture the contribution of older generations in data and reporting - change the way we report on older generations by disaggregating data and highlighting strengths and contributions not just challenges or needs.
2. Conduct a national review of housing insecurity for older generations - progress tangible improvements to address housing insecurity for older people starting with practical changes to make homes suitable for ageing in place.
3. All New Zealanders are supported to develop a personalised plan to thrive for life - empower people to plan for a full, active and independent life. This means linking financial, housing, health, wellbeing and learning/career planning into a cohesive longevity pathway through careful planning.
4. Expanding wrap-around community-driven support for older New Zealanders - expand community-driven wrap around services that support seniors to age well in place in age-friendly communities.
5. Proactive health checks for healthy ageing - roll out proactive, community-based health checks that empower older New Zealanders to make informed decisions and take preventative action to support longer, healthier, more independent lives.

Together, these pledges form a practical blueprint for how New Zealand can turn longevity into opportunity - supporting wellbeing, equity and contribution at every age.

Key facts

• Within a decade 1 million NZers will be aged 65+.
• Currently 25% of people aged over 65 are working – one of the highest in the OECD. When we look at the age group of 65-69, 44% are employed.
• New Zealanders are living longer – with the average life expectancy in 2025 being 83. The number of people aged 85+ will triple in the next 30 years – planning for this now is fiscally responsible.
• In NZIER’s latest Business of Ageing update, annual expenditure by New Zealanders aged 65+ is projected to reach $176 billion by 2071 (in 2021 dollars), reflecting their growing economic impact.