Part memoir, part essays, part self-help book, Never Succumb to Beige is an invitation to hop on the train of many colours that takes you through a varied landscape of opinion, advice, and reflection, inspired by the author’s colourful life.
Not succumbing to beige is about wearing your metaphorical high viz vest with flair and panache – being true to who you are and what you bring to the world.
In extended essays drawn from her own colourful life, and traversing the joys of schadenfreude, strategic gift-buying, the value of teeth, and lessons to be learnt from the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Frances Manwaring explores ground rules and tactics for avoiding the beige. Along the way she shares her wisdom and philosophies, with reference and deference to legends like George Eliot, Cleopatra, and Coco Chanel.
Self-deprecating and revealing, perceptive and funny, Frances Manwaring’s writing, like the non-beige approach to life itself, will lead you to unexpected and exotic destinations. A delightful and entertaining read about blazing a colourful trail through life.
Author Note
‘I chose never to succumb to beige as my way of navigating life’s challenges. It’s a statement of my commitment to staying visible and an invitation to others to hop on the train of many colours. While this theme is not the exclusive focus of my writing, it underpins a lot of it. It’s become something of a crusade. I believe we need to stand and deliver on our potential and not let life, our doubts and fears or society’s bias remove our agency as dynamic contributors to the overall richness and joy of the human experience.
I am saddened by how many people I’ve encountered who feel invisible or useless as they age. They tell me it’s inevitable. I fundamentally don’t believe that it has to be. Perhaps that’s easy for me to say. I was born with a sunny, outgoing nature and insane corkscrew hair—I’ve had a love/hate relationship with the latter throughout my life. Still, it has the merit of giving me a head start in the non-invisibility games. Likely, it also played a part in developing a deep-rooted commitment to my individuality as I grew up, something I’ve never lost. I don’t believe we should allow society’s judgement to push us into the railway siding of invisibility. If we don’t give ourselves licence to stay on the main line, no one else will.”
About the Author
Becoming co-owner and managing director of creative agency Moxie in 2010 was a natural extension of a career focused on helping great ideas reach the world. Previously, Frances co-founded several businesses, including a pioneering technology start-up and held senior management and governance roles in four countries across several sectors.
Frances has written magazine articles, a column on business networking, Sects & the City for In-Business Wellington, a novelette about the final days of Anne Boleyn (an honours degree in Medieval History explains this interest) and an exhibition and a short book Food Futures: The Face of Tomorrow.
A few years ago, she ghost-wrote an autobiography for a top sales professional. Most recently, she has launched a book drawn from her professional practice Brands with Moxie: Eight Steps to a Winning Brand.
Originally from the Scottish Highlands, Frances was London-based for 14 years before moving to New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay in the mid-nineties, and she now lives in its wild and windy capital, Wellington.
‘I believe you can’t let life happen to you — if your ship doesn’t come in, you need to swim out to it. I also believe, like Sophia Loren, mistakes are one of the dues one pays for a full life. Diamonds are, after all, only coals that stuck to the job!’
Frances is available for interview For media queries, review and giveaway copies, extracts and interviews, please contact publicist Karen McKenzie, 027 693 9044, karen_m@xtra.co.nz, www.lighthousepr.co.nz
The largest-ever study of dementia in New Zealand kicks off in the first week of April, with more than 50 researchers door-knocking thousands of homes in targeted areas of Auckland and Christchurch.
Many Asian New Zealanders with dementia are never diagnosed.
The aim is to talk to 2100 older people and their families in their own language as a way to establish how many people have dementia across four ethnic groups (Pākehā, Chinese, Indian, and Fijian Indian).
Then researchers can work out how that matches (or doesn’t match) existing health data, and what is needed to support different communities to care for their ageing relatives. Parallel studies are taking place in Māori and Pacific communities.
The $5 million IDEA study (Impact of Dementia mate wareware and Equity in Aotearoa), funded by the Health Research Council, is led by University of Auckland healthy ageing expert Professor Ngaire Kerse.
Kerse is the Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well, a role set up in 2018 with funding from Metlifecare founder Cliff Cook in memory of his mother, aged care champion Joyce Cook.
Professor Ngaire Kerse says different communities have different needs when it comes to dementia care.
Kerse says New Zealand is trailing many parts of the world in not knowing the prevalence and the ramifications of dementia in our increasingly diverse (and increasingly older) population. And the information is crucial for doctors, the health sector, and government.
“We need to know how many people with dementia there are, and the impact on them and their families. We can’t develop services for them if we don’t know the numbers. And we can’t develop culturally appropriate services unless we know the prevalence in different ethnic groups.”
The best guess is that 70,000 Kiwis have dementia and that this figure will triple by 2050, says Associate Professor Sarah Cullum, an old age psychiatrist who led the feasibility study and leads the Pākehā dementia prevalence work.
Cullum’s estimate is linked with international figures suggesting there are 50 million people living with dementia globally, and that figure will rise to 150 million in 2050.
The annual cost of dementia care in New Zealand was $2.5 billion in 2020, according to the Dementia Economic Impact Report published in 2021 by researchers in the IDEA dementia study. The report estimated costs will more than double to $5.9 billion by 2050.
“Asian elders are rarely referred to local memory services… There is stigma associated with accessing dementia services.“
Professor Ngaire Kerse Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well, University of Auckland
International evidence suggests as many as 60 percent of people with dementia are never diagnosed, Kerse says, and this figure is particularly high in the New Zealand Chinese communities where, paradoxically, the percentage of elderly people is growing faster than the average.
In 2013, less than 10 percent of the Chinese population was over 65; by 2038 that is estimated to be 17 percent. Among the Indian community, those figures are 5 percent in 2013, potentially rising to 12 percent in 2038.
“Asian elders are rarely referred to local memory services,” Kerse says. “Asian families often find health and social care services in New Zealand difficult to negotiate because of language problems, and the fact there is no culturally and linguistically appropriate service available for their elders. There is also stigma associated with accessing dementia services.
”The Ministry of Health acknowledges the importance of culturally appropriate dementia support and services for Māori, Asian and Pacific families and prioritises equity, Kerse says. “But we know very little about our diverse populations nor how best to deliver culturally appropriate care.”
Professor Rita Krishnamurthi
Professor Rita Krishnamurthi says a Pākehā-centric approach doesn’t work for all cultures.
Professor Rita Krishnamurthi is the lead researcher for the Indian and Fijian Indian part of the study and has first-hand experience of the Pākehā-centric system from when her father ended up in hospital with his dementia
“Firstly, his dementia diagnosis and prognosis were not discussed with us at all,” Krishnamurthi says. “Doctors simply informed the family he needed to go to a care facility. Whānau had to advocate for him and put a strong case to be allowed to take him home and to get the support to provide care for him at home, she says.
“We refused to have him transferred to a rest home – that would have been traumatic for him, and for us. We had to arrange meetings with doctors to say that solution didn’t work for us, and instead we wanted to get support for him at home – a hospital bed, for example.
“We spent time taking turns to look after him and his quality of life was significantly better.”
“Many people have no idea there is help available – or where to get it.“
Associate Professor Gary Cheung University of Auckland IDEA dementia project
It’s a similar story for the Chinese community, says Associate Professor Gary Cheung, who leads the Chinese arm of the IDEA project.
“Culturally, Chinese tend to look after their parents; not many are willing to move them to an aged residential facility. Even if they did, there are few, if any, Chinese aged care facilities with a dementia unit.”
Instead, older people would end up in a typical Pākehā facility where “language is a barrier – and they don’t enjoy the food”.
Both Krishnamurthi and Cheung say there’s often a lack of understanding of dementia among Asian families, and that’s compounded by embarrassment or denial around cognitive impairment. Many people have no idea there is help available – or where to get it.
Estimates of rising dementia prevalence in NZ are based on overseas numbers.
Recruiting and training interviewers who come from the Chinese, Indian, and Fijian Indian communities is critical for the success of the dementia prevalence project, Sarah Cullum says.
The team of 52 multi-cultural researchers start work the first week after Easter. Their job is to go door-to-door in selected areas of Auckland and Christchurch finding eligible older adults from the four ethnic groups willing to take part in a memory survey.
Adapting the approach, including the memory questions, for different cultural groups will be key, Cullum says. For example, the traditional memory test involves asking people to name the US president killed in the 1960s.
“The assassination of JF Kennedy is so commonly-known in the western world, but not necessarily elsewhere,” Cullum says. Instead, Fijian Indian participants in the IDEA survey will be asked a question about a well-known Fijian military coup.
Meanwhile another question – asking people to name the knobbly bones on your hands – had to be changed when the survey design team realised there’s no word in Hindi or Fiji Hindi for ‘knuckles’. The researchers also have to be mindful not just of the questions, but asking them in the right way, culturally, Cheung says.
UoA student Rex Gao says knowing the right way to talk to an older person comes naturally.
Rex Gao, a 19-year-old University of Auckland psychology and management student, is one of the research assistants undergoing training this month. Gao speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin, but says talking to older Chinese people isn’t simply a question of language.
“There’s a certain tone and way you use to speak to an older age group which I don’t have to think about; it comes naturally.”
The next stage of the process, taking place later in the year, involves recruiting a wider group of participants for interviews, and exploring people’s experiences of the support they get when faced with a dementia diagnosis, including what works and what doesn’t.
This part of the study will look at what individuals with dementia and their carers would like to see happen, and also find out who the key players are in the sector.
“Lastly, we will initiate co-creation meetings, where people living with dementia, families, whānau, stakeholders, NGOs, service providers, and researchers collaborate to formulate models that ensure culturally safe, optimal outcomes for individuals with dementia and their whānau and families in the balance of formal, informal, and family care,” Kerse says.
Enduring Powers of Attorney are legal documents allowing someone else – called your Attorney – to act on your behalf in a situation where you are unable to manage your own affairs. Deciding who to appoint as your Attorney in your Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOAs) can be a difficult decision, as the powers you are giving that person (or persons) are quite extensive.
There are two different types of EPOA:
Property
Personal Care and Welfare (medical).
EPOA for Property
An EPOA as to Property allows the Attorney to make decisions and sign documents relating to any assets you own in your own name. This will include your house, bank accounts and other investments.
When creating an EPOA as to Property, the Donor can choose whether:
The document will be able to be used only if they were to become mentally incapable, or will be able to be used while they are still capable (to continue if they become mentally incapable);
To appoint one, two, or more Attorneys and whether those Attorneys can act alone, or whether they must make joint decisions;
To limit the property the Attorney can deal with (e.g. only real estate);
To put in any conditions or restrictions on the Attorney;
The Attorney must provide information to anyone else about the decisions they are making, if they request it (e.g. your other children if you are only appointing one of your children);
The Attorney must consult anyone else about your affairs (e.g. your other children if you are only appointing one of your children);
Any instructions as to who is to be involved in assessing your capacity;
The Attorney can make a new Will for the Donor;
To appoint a successor (back up) attorney if the first Attorney or Attorneys cannot act; and
The Attorney can benefit themselves (payments, gifts).
EPOA for Personal Care and Welfare
An EPOA as to Personal Care and Welfare allows the Attorney to make decisions about matters relating to your personal care, including medical decisions and decisions about where you will live, if you have lost capacity. You can only appoint one person to be your Attorney for Personal Care and Welfare. Importantly, an EPOA as to Personal Care and Welfare only comes into effect if the Donor is “mentally incapable”. An assessment of whether the Donor is mentally incapable needs to be carried out by a suitably qualified medical practitioner and needs to be confirmed in a specific certificate.
When considering an EPOA for Personal Care and Welfare, the Donor can choose whether:
The Attorney must provide information to anyone else about the decisions they are making, if they request it (e.g. your other children if you are only appointing one of your children);
Whether the Attorney must consult anyone else about your medical matters (e.g. your other children if you are appointing only one child);
To put in any conditions or restrictions on the Attorney;
To appoint a successor (back up) attorney if the first attorney cannot act;
To limit the matters the Attorney can deal with (e.g. only in relation to certain medical matters); and
Any instructions on who is to be involved in assessing your capacity.
Who to appoint
The decision as to who your Attorney should be is completely yours. You can appoint whoever you like as an Attorney. It does not have to be a family member, but often it will be.
Ensuring your Attorney meets the following criteria is also important:
Must be over 20 years old;
Must not be bankrupt;
Must be mentally capable.
Practically, we also recommend that the Attorney has good decision-making skills and is someone who can exercise good judgement. You should also consider the Attorney’s relationship with those with whom you have said they should consult or provide information to, as they will likely need to be involved with those people fairly frequently if you were to lose capacity.
To make sure that your EPOA puts your best interests forward, it is recommended that you seek independent legal advice before deciding to put in place an EPOA.
The Morning Shift is the brainchild of three Kiwi dads Jordan River and Brook Ruscoe, former breakfast radio hosts, and ‘Matua Marc’ Peard, an audio industry stalwart with more than 20 years’ experience across various brands.
The podcast has had more than 4.5 million downloads and amassed one million followers on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook since it started in March 2023. The trio have real conversations about all things culture, sports, entertainment, and the day-to-day, using their own special blend of humbleness, humour and vulnerability.
The Sorted collaboration is a three-part series where the hosts interview Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission’s Sorted experts on key money topics like budgeting, homeownership and investing.
Marc Peard says working with Sorted presents a special opportunity for listeners.
“We’re about helping people shift their position in life to something better by empowering them to take action. We’re trying to break down some of the barriers people face around future-proofing themselves, particularly around their finances,” he says.
“We can encourage a conversation about money, ask the questions we are all thinking about but may be too whakama to ask, and then let people know there are places to go for help. That’s where Sorted comes in, providing the tools and information people can use to learn more. It’s great because it’s free to use and not trying to sell you anything.”
Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission Māori Lead, and podcast guest, Donna Robinson has shared her own experiences with money for the show. Her budgeting-focused episode has already had more than 22,000 downloads since it aired on 3 March and profiled the recently released Sorted budget planner tool.
“Appearing on the Morning Shift was such a cool opportunity. I did have some anxiety going into the experience knowing that I would be sharing my honest and raw stories of learning some hard lessons about money,” she says.
“But I know people need to hear real stories about real people having real money problems, just like I was. Finding the courage, or as I like to say finding my “why”, to take small steps to lead you to making better financial decisions and eventually feeling the confidence to go to sleep at night, knowing, everything is ok.
“I know where my money is going and I’m making it work for me. Making intentional money decisions for myself and my family. It feels great!”
Next up, is a focus on investing with Sorted Personal Finance Lead, Tom Hartmann which will air 23 March.
Donna Robinson with The Morning Shift
About Sorted – Sorted.org.nz
Sorted is a free service run by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the government-funded, independent agency dedicated to helping New Zealanders get ahead financially.
As New Zealand’s trusted personal finance site, Sorted has the information needed to tackle debt, plan and budget, save and invest, dial up your KiwiSaver, plan for retirement, protect what’s important, and manage a mortgage. Providing tools, guides and blogs, Sorted can help no matter where you are at when it comes to money.
A new-look for the Sorted website was unveiled in early March. It’s been designed to resonate with Sorted’s priority audiences and help grow the brand’s reach, ensuring Sorted is there in the moments that matter.
The improvements to Sorted include better accessibility, enhanced mobile design, clearer content navigation and a more visually engaging experience.
About the Sorted budget planner
The budget planner works out the difference between the money you have coming in and the money going out. It tells you whether you have money left over (a surplus) to save, invest and flow towards your goals; or whether you are spending more than you are bringing in (a shortfall). Depending on whether an expense is marked as ‘essential’ or ‘fixed’, the planner adds these up and displays them so you can make adjustments more easily.
Julia Cook & Peta Cook – University of Newcastle, Australia
In this article, we have demonstrated that the legal and social context of intergenerational financial assistance carries with it ageist attitudes and beliefs that exacerbate the risk of financial elder abuse. This is a crucial area for further research and greater public attention, as such transfers are expected to increase in coming years (Productivity Commission, 2021), while at the same time, elder abuse is likely to increase as the population ages in Australia and internationally.
Previous research has shown that elder abuse typically arises in the context of relationships, most often between parents and adult children. However, as we have shown in this article, the risk of financial elder abuse also arises and is exacerbated, by financial pressures brought about by the asset economy in which housing is increasingly out of the financial reach of many and has come to be viewed as a financial asset rather than a dwelling. We therefore argue that the risk of elder abuse is, in large part, a product of political and economic decisions and, more specifically, the policy settings that have shaped the current housing crisis in Australia. Additionally, as we have shown at the beginning of the article, generational narratives such as those of “wealthy baby boomers” have the potential to combine with ageist assumptions in a way that can heighten the risk of elder abuse. We therefore argue that it is necessary to address intra- and intergenerational inequality as a key part of strategies to address discrimination and abuse.
Drawing on the findings of both our policy analysis and analysis of interview data, we also argue that the banking and legal systems are, at present, not able to adequate prevent or address financial elder abuse in the context of family financial assistance with home ownership, especially when they are considered alongside the typical ways in which such arrangements play out in practice. In making these arguments, we do not seek to infantilise older adults by suggesting that they need “protection” or to demonise young adults as uncaring or prone to being abusive. Rather, we seek to bring attention to potential adverse outcomes from intergenerational financial transfers, particularly when it is advocated to be “the right thing to do” or that the interests of younger generations are more important than the interests and needs of older generations.
We do not claim that intergenerational financial assistance is inherently exploitative or a process of victimisation. We instead argue that financial elder abuse is not simply an individual or family issue, showing instead that it reflects social attitudes and structural problems in the asset economy. In the light of these findings, it is necessary to move away from presuming that younger generations will receive or inherit what older adults own, and indeed from the assumption that all older adults are wealthy or financially secure, and to instead understand housing insecurity and affordability-related challenges as affecting individuals across the life course. The pathway to doing so lies with tackling the current housing crisis, examining the assumptions embedded in relevant banking and legal practices and challenging the widespread ageist assumptions that lay the groundwork for financial elder abuse to take place.
Dr Julia Cook is a senior lecturer of sociology at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her most recent research addresses the role of family financial assistance in young adults’ pathways into home ownership and young adults’ navigation of credit, debt and financial assistance. She is a current ARC DECRA Fellow (2022–2025), a chief investigator on the current phase of the Life Patterns longitudinal research program (2021–2026) and co-editor-in-chief of Journal of Applied Youth Studies.
Dr Peta S. Cook is a senior lecturer of sociology at the University of Tasmania. She is a sociologist of ageing, medical science and technology, health and illness, and disability. Peta’s current research is primarily focussed on topics such as ageism, elder abuse, age-friendly societies and ableism/disablism. Peta has received the University of Tasmania Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement (2018) and the Australian Sociological Association’s (TASA) Sociology in Action Award (2020).
In a ceremony held at Waipapa marae, Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull received a korowai and tokotoko for his contributions to Māori and neuroscience.
Distinguished Professor, Sir Richard Faull. During a ceremony at Waipapa marae, Sir Richard was bestowed a korowai and tokotoko for his contributions to Māori neuroscience.
On 5 October 2023, Sir Richard Faull (Ngāti Rāhiri, Te Ātiawa) was honoured with a korowai and a tokotoko to acknowledge his immense contributions to neuroscience, and his efforts to bridge knowledge within Māori communities
Sir Richard is a Distinguished Professor of Anatomy, and Director of the Centre for Brain Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. He’s a pioneering figure in neurological science and is also recognised for addressing the cultural sensitivities between Māori traditions and neurological research.
In the late 1980’s, he discovered that the gap in Māori participation in brain science was due to tīkanga Māori, the ethical understanding that the head, including the brain, is tapu (sacred) and not to be tampered with.
In the early-1990s, Sir Richard collaborated with longtime friends, Tainui kaumātua Eru Thompson and Te Kaanga Skipper, and Tumuaki Professor Papaarangi Reid, to develop a whakanoa (a ritual to lift the tapu), hoping to implement it into the university’s mandate to support tauira Māori.
“It was a decision met with much opposition and resistance at the time, but it is now a mandatory practice that we conduct at the start of every year before our medical students begin their medical studies,” Sir Richard says.
“In the early stages, it was just for Māori and gradually included Pacific students, as it was something they wanted to be a part of too. We have come a long way since then.”
His efforts to introduce the whakanoa demonstrate a profound respect for tīkanga Māori, ultimately leading to a groundbreaking practice now standard at the university.
Sir Richard in his korowai, holding Aumangea (tokotoko). Photo / Sav Schulman
“We view every brain bequest as an invaluable gift to medicine and science. We are merely the humble custodians and recognise that the brain tissue always belongs to the owner’s whānau. I think that’s what makes this research very special.”
It’s also opened pathways for critical and ethical discussions on how brain research can be conducted, based on expert advice and support from Māori—a process Sir Richard describes as “the right thing to do.”
“The Centre for Brain Research was built on the ethos of community engagement. This means collaboration with neurological scientists, clinicians, iwi, and hapū. When I realise the significance of my whakapapa, it’s my tīpuna who are telling me to do this. We are the reservoirs of knowledge for the community—we’re here for the people.”
Sir Richard credits much of the support to his iwi and hapū, who financially enabled him to progress as far as he has.
The Taranaki Māori Trust Board contributed to funding Sir Richard to pursue advanced research into Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University in the United States.
“I was very humbled by the offer to support me and didn’t think I deserved it. At the time, I wasn’t fully immersed in my whakapapa, but their words to me were, ‘you will come home’. Such simple words, yet I did not understand at the time how profound they were.”
“Sir Richard is a Rangatira in every sense of the word. “says Dr Makarena Dudley Deputy Director Māori of the Centre for Brain Research.
Deputy Director Māori of the Centre for Brain Research, Dr Makarena Dudley.
The taonga presented to Sir Richard are symbols of respect and recognition of his work by the Māori community. The korowai, an emblem of high status and mana, is adorned with albatross feathers; this prestigious handwoven cloak is imbued with dignity and cultural heritage. Sir Richard was also bestowed with a tokotoko named Aumangea, crafted by master carver Rangi Bailey of Te Ātiawa.
The word ‘aumangea’ is a Taranaki kupu that translates to strength, leadership, championship, and wisdom. A tokotoko is only given to those considered of high status, commonly seen with kaumātua sitting on the paepae.
Aumangea is a testament to Sir Richard’s influence and status within the community. The intricate carvings narrate his ties to the land of Taranaki, his whānau, and the hapū of Ngāti Rahiri and Te Ātiawa.
Sir Richard has been instrumental in educating and supporting Māori and the wider Taranaki community on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. The korowai and tokotoko are not just adornments but serve as a testament to his dedication to both science and the people he serves.
For Sir Richard, this recognition surpasses any academic accolade. He describes the ceremony as “the most wonderful, special day of my life which will live on in my heart and in my whānau for ever,” a true coronation in its emotional depth and significance.
Deputy Director Māori of the Centre for Brain Research, Dr Makarena Dudley, says Sir Richard “walks the talk” when it comes to addressing inequities in Māori brain health.
“In the time I have worked with Richard, I have sensed his passion for Māori. His pride in his whakapapa has profoundly impacted our mission for equity in brain health,” Makarena adds.
“From the far reaches of Kaitaia to the southernmost tips of Invercargill, we are on a mission to meet with nearly 800 marae to engage, to listen, and to serve the needs of Māori communities.
“Under Richard’s leadership, we’ve created initiatives to expand Māori involvement and inclusivity. We have a Māori Advisory Board, two Māori PhD scholarships awarded each year, and careers within the Centre for Brain Research.
“This would not be possible without Richard—he is a Rangatira in every sense of the word.”
In-depth interviews were conducted with older people grappling with disabilities or experiencing difficulties with a physical condition since turning 65 and the additional expenses they face.
Te Ara Ahunga Ora Research Lead Dr. Jo Gamble, who conducted the qualitative study, says becoming less able in some way as one ages is a natural part of human experience and needs to be planned for.
“Our results show that some people have attained mortgage-free status but have very little in the way of cash-wealth (asset rich but cash poor). Homeowners with physical impairments face the double burden of expenses and financial requirements to maintain the value of their asset plus unexpected or ongoing expenses related to health,” she says.
“On the flipside are individuals who don’t own their home but have nest eggs put aside. While they don’t have the responsibility for home maintenance, they also don’t have the ability to draw on a significant asset so face the fear of outliving their savings.
“In both situations, a major health-related expense can be impossible to consider without health insurance. However, as premiums increase in later life, some people find the cost prohibitive and cancel their health insurance. With no opportunity for paid work to pay off debt, superannuitants with worsening physical or health conditions must wait their turn in the public health system, in some cases for years which impacts on quality of life.”
Of the approximately 842,100 people aged 65+ in Aotearoa in 2022, 129,522 people received the disability allowance (15%). However, Dr Gamble says this is low given 59% of over 65s are considered disabled[1].
“The disability allowance contributes to improved quality of life for those receiving it, but is subject to means-testing, which looks at household income,” says Dr Gamble.
“In the research conversations, people reported that the barriers to accessing it include lack of awareness about the allowance, unfamiliarity with Work and Income/MSD, pride in being self-sufficient, shame in feeling incapable, and lack of proactivity by GPs/health professionals.”
One of the case study participants, 77-year-old Yvonne, who had to give up work to look after her husband after a stroke, and who is also dealing with macular degeneration, shared her struggles of dealing with health conditions.
“It’s drawing on our savings – we can pay our way, but it depends on how long we live. Every year I have to cut the budget. They need a higher limit on savings for the accommodation allowance. I know what we have isn’t a lot, two funerals would be about it!”
Increasing the cash asset threshold for the Accommodation Supplement was one of the recommendations made to the Government by the Retirement Commissioner as part of the 2022 Review of Retirement Income Policies. This recognises that an increasing percentage of NZ Super is needed to meet housing costs and that homeowners have limited options to reduce their housing costs.
For 74-year-old Andrea who has several issues with her eyes, she said: “Financially, it’s been a significant impact, I have to pay out on a constant basis. Vision is one of the most important parts of life. I can’t walk up and down the stairs in the dark, so I have to make sure someone is there to help me. There are times I can’t drive and have had to go on bus or taxi. Taxis aren’t cheap. It confines you a bit, I used to roar around everywhere.”
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says Te Ara Ahunga Ora is committed to broadening understanding of what impacts New Zealanders heading into retirement.
“It’s important we have quality research and evidence available on matters relating to retirement that can be used to help inform policymakers, financial service providers and disability services to better support our ageing population,” she says.
“This research is also a nudge to those able to plan their retirement income to factor in increased health costs. And to MSD and health professionals to understand and clearly explain the financial assistance that can be available.
“While this doesn’t make for easy reading, those who have shared their stories for this study have provided valuable insights into the lives of older New Zealanders, the day-to-day struggles many are dealing with and the sacrifices they are making as a result. I want to thank those who took part and know it is not easy to share these experiences.”
New research explores Takatāpui and Rainbow elders’ views including protective factors to create wellbeing. It also highlights related work and reports addressing abuse of older people. To read more about the project, visit Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura or Rainbow Hub Waikato.
Part of a wider project is looking at what life is like for Takatāpui and Rainbow elders in Aotearoa, New Zealand, these sixteen interview podcasts feature eleven Takatāpui and Rainbow elders. Each podcast features multiple voices, sharing different lived experiences. Episode 1: Uplifting Takatāpui & Rainbow Elder Voices.
New Zealand’s major telecommunications providers rank across a range of key customer service indicators.
The Commerce Commision’s Telecommunications Commissioner, Tristan Gilbertson, says this is part of ongoing work to improve retail service quality for consumers.
“These rankings focus on how well each provider looks after you when something goes wrong. This really matters to consumers. We know there can be a big gap between what consumers expect and what they actually get from their provider.”
Mr Gilbertson says that providing this information upfront will help Kiwi consumers choose the best provider for them and also avoid surprises later about the quality of customer service on offer.
He says each consumer will have a different set of priorities when it comes to choosing a telecommunications provider.
“Our work suggests that the rankings will be useful to many consumers when it comes to weighing up providers and making an informed decision. There’s often a trade-off involved between price and the level of customer service on offer. Consumers can now see what they can expect from different providers to help choose who is best for them.”
The Commerce Commission intends to undertake further work to ensure the rankings are easy for consumers to find and use, updating the rankings every month over the next six months and publishing updated rankings every quarter to show changes in customer service levels over time.
The rankings can be found on the Commerce Commission website here.
Summer is a lovely time of the year, however, when the temperature and humidity rise, we can be more vulnerable to heat-related health problems and injuries, especially as we get older. Here are a few tips to keep yourself cool and hydrated this summer.
Staying cool outdoors Being outside during summer can be tough when dealing with the heat and humidity. The temperature outside does not have to be high to put older people at risk for a heat-related illness. There are many little ways we can protect ourselves from the heat and stay cool when we are outside.
Avoid spending too much time outside – between 11am and 4pm is the hottest part of the day, so try not to spend too much time outside or exercising during this time. You can get sunburnt even on a cloudy day.
Protect your body – the heat can be better managed by wearing a sun hat and light-colored, lightweight cotton clothes. Choose fabric that is loosely woven or well-ventilated, so it doesn’t trap the heat.
Wearing sunglasses – UV rays can cause damage to our eyes, so choosing sunnies with a value of 4 or 5 under the Australian/New Zealand standard for sunglasses can provide coverage for almost all UV radiation. For extra protection, wrap-around sunnies are the best as they offer protection from all sides. Talk to an optician about prescription sunglasses.
Forecast – watch for hot weather warnings or extremely hot temperatures by checking the forecast and the UV index before leaving the house.
Apply Sunscreen – For sun protection follow the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap’ rule – Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, and Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Remember to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading out and to reapply every two hours, and more frequently when in water or sweating. Sunburn not only causes skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer, but it can also interfere with the ability to regulate one’s body temperature.
Drink plenty of water – stay hydrated by regularly drinking cool water-based drinks or milk throughout the day. Always carry a drink to avoid being dehydrated and stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Have cool treats available that are low in sugar and have a high water content. Sugar-free popsicles are great for hydration.
Watch out! Symptoms of dehydration include confusion, cramps, dark urine and feeling weak. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and a fast pulse. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Seizures and falling unconscious can be symptoms of heatstroke. If you think you or someone you’re with might have heatstroke, immediately call 111.
Healthy Cool Homes Being in a house that is overheated and stuffy is unpleasant and can also have serious health consequences. It is especially important as we get older to keep our homes dry and cool over the summer. The World Health Organisation recommends keeping the living space between 18 and 21°C. There are many ways to keep our home cool this summer.
Curtains and blinds – to ensure the house does not get overheated, close curtains or blinds on the east side of the home during the morning and the west side in the afternoon to keep rooms at a good temperature. Additionally, close curtains and blinds in rooms that are not being used.
Sun Umbrellas – are a great accessory for your deck or backyard to provide shade. Ensure they have a strong sturdy umbrella base that will hold the sun umbrella firmly and not topple over in the wind as this could cause injuries.
Electric Fans – as with any electric appliance, keep everything, including yourself, at least one metre away from circulating fan blades. Keep fans clear of obstacles so air can circulate easily.
Open Doors and Windows – fresh air is best. The ability to safely leave your windows and doors open during the day can also help keep your home cool.
Heat Pumps – use temperature controls correctly to avoid wasting energy.
Smarter Lighting – replace incandescent, halogen, or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs with LEDs. They consume significantly less energy, release less heat, and last notably longer.
Appliances – turn off lights and appliances that are not being used as they generate heat. Check your power supplier by visiting www.Powerswitch.org.nz to see if you can get a better power deal elsewhere.
Food safety – follow the four ‘c’ rules: clean, cook, cover, chill. Clean hands, surfaces, and food. Fully cook meats and seafood. Cover your food to stop bugs, ants and flies. Chill food in the fridge between 2° and 4°C.
Warmer Kiwi Homes grant Heat pumps can help keep us cool over the summer. Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government programme offering insulation and heating grants for low-income homeowners. The grant can still be considered outside the winter months.
Exercise During the summer months, we are more likely to get out and about and exercise more. Physical activity is great. It increases blood flow throughout the body, stimulating energy and brain activity. It is recommended that adults over the age of 65 have at least 150 minutes a week (30 minutes a day) of moderate exercise for strength, balance, and agility. However, we need to manage the risks of exercising during the summer.
Limit strenuous activity and exercise – our bodies work hard enough during the hot days to keep cool, so adding strenuous physical activity can be detrimental. When exercising regularly, try doing the routine during the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler.
Avoid direct sun exposure – try and stay out of the sun between the hours of 11am and 4pm when it is at its hottest.
Cooling Down – try a cold, damp cloth on the back of your neck or a sprinkle of water over the skin. When the weather is too hot outside, other forms of activities include:
Housework – housework, believe it or not, keeps you moving. Try spreading out the chores over the day to keep yourself moving and reduce overheating.
Swimming & Aquatic Exercises – enjoy the community pool or the beach for exercise and cooling off.
Over the summer months, we may wish to travel away from home so be sure to check your medications and order prescription refills in advance. Additionally, obtain a doctor’s letter to validate medications on international trips. It is also a good idea to carry a list of medications including dosages and frequencies as a safety precaution. Storage of Medication – another summer concern is that many medications degrade at temperatures over 30°C (86°F), making them less effective. Double-check with your GP, pharmacist, or the information leaflet to ensure medications are stored correctly
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