Policies designed to address the challenges faced by seniors in New Zealand, building on our existing policies of removing GST from food, fuel, and electricity, and raising the tax-free threshold:
Healthcare:
Universal Free or Subsidized Healthcare for Seniors:
Ensure all seniors have access to free or highly subsidized medical services, including dental care, eye care, and hearing aids. This would reduce out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
Enhanced Home Healthcare Services:
Expand funding for home-based care to allow more seniors to live independently while receiving necessary medical and daily living assistance.
Mental Health Support for the Elderly:
Establish community-based programs aimed at combating loneliness and depression, including social clubs, digital literacy classes, and counseling services tailored for seniors.
Financial Security:
Superannuation Adjustment:
Index NZ Super to both inflation and wage growth to ensure that the pension keeps pace with living costs. Consider adjustments for singles to better reflect their cost of living.
Tax Relief for Seniors:
In addition to raising the tax-free threshold, introduce a special tax credit for seniors, further reducing their tax burden.
Reverse Mortgage Program Expansion:
Promote and expand safe, government-backed reverse mortgage schemes to help seniors access their home equity for living expenses without losing their homes.
Housing and Accommodation:
Senior-Friendly Housing Development:
Incentivize the building of retirement villages and apartments designed for accessibility with government grants or tax benefits. Ensure these developments are located near public transport and amenities.
Rent Control for Seniors:
Implement rent stabilization for seniors in private rentals to protect against excessive rent increases, ensuring they can afford to stay in their homes.
Transport:
Accessible Public Transport:
Subsidize or provide free transport for seniors, with a focus on making public transport more accessible with features like low-floor buses, priority seating, and better route planning.
Community Transport Initiatives:
Support local community transport schemes that can provide door-to-door service for those unable to use public transport, especially in rural or less served areas.
Digital Inclusion:
Digital Literacy Programs:
Fund and promote digital literacy courses specifically for seniors, helping them navigate online services for healthcare, banking, and social interaction.
Affordable Internet Access:
Work with ISPs to offer discounted internet packages for seniors, recognizing internet as a utility necessary for modern living.
Protection Against Abuse:
Strengthen Elder Abuse Legislation:
Enhance laws and enforcement around elder abuse, ensuring there are clear pathways for reporting and addressing cases of financial, physical, or emotional abuse.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Run regular campaigns to educate both seniors and the public about recognizing and preventing elder abuse.
These policies aim to create a supportive environment where seniors can maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life. By combining these with our existing economic policies, we can address the multifaceted challenges of aging in New Zealand comprehensively.