By the numbers
over-65s in New Zealand by 2036 director of the Retirement Village Association, says: ‘‘We know that new housing development over the last decade or so has been progressively getting bigger in terms of square meterage, so there has definitely been a market shortage of smaller homes, particularly for older people. The market has built big things and ignored the need for smaller homes.’’
The industry is keeping up with demand – with 18,000 units currently under development – but is facing the same skill shortages and burgeoning land values that have bedevilled the wider construction sector.
Where retirees are living will also be a challenge. Older people gravitate towards rural towns, which often aren’t served well by public transport. That leads to isolation – already a problem, with 49,000 over-65s saying they feel lonely most of the time.
But by far the biggest problem politicians must face is the rising costs of the changing demographic. Already older people account for about a quarter of all core government spending ($18b a year). Health will soon outstrip superannuation costs. Martin says NZ First is pushing for funded health checks for the elderly: ‘‘Let’s invest some money at the front end here. Stop people getting sicker, having these more serious conditions – it’s just a smarter use of money.’’ But it’s not yet Government policy.
Other developed countries are looking at more unpalatable policies – bringing in migrant healthcare workers to care for the elderly, and raising the retirement age. Although both these would be anathema to NZ First voters, Martin says nothing is off the table.
‘‘All conversations are going to have to be open, aren’t they?’’ she says. ‘‘If you take the immigration conversation, it’s been interesting the one that Japan is having. They have basically a zero-immigration policy – so they have been looking at robotics to help keep elderly people in their homes.
‘‘At the end of the day, we are going to have to look at all solutions. But even that’s a bit freaky. Sounds like a sci-fi movie.’’
Martin launches the strategy on Friday with a discussion document, and is calling for submissions from the public until August 24. The Ministry of Social Development will also host a series of ‘‘super seniors’’ meetings across the country.