News

We have been flooded with calls and emails from seniors around the country upset or outraged as to the processes being implemented for driver licence renewal at some medical practices. The uptake of compulsory cognitive tests is clearly ageist and needs to stop.

We are seeking information surrounding the challenging waiting times many seniors are facing for Elective Surgery (Planned Care) to support our next advocacy visit to Parliament. If you, or a friend in the last 12 months is waiting for elective surgery, or has recently had surgery, we want to know your experiences. Please complete or pass on the link to our on-line survey.

Carolyn Cooper, Age Care Commissioner, urged Grey Power members at the AGM in Wellington to have their hearing checked as hearing loss has been proven to be a risk factor for dementia. Carolyn has recently called for a higher subsidy for hearing aids to make them more affordable – “The cost of hearing aids is forcing some older New Zealanders to import their own devices from overseas or turn to retailers like Costco.” She is concerned that thousands of older Kiwis cannot afford to treat their hearing loss, which puts them at higher risk of dementia and other major problems like social isolation. In an address to the “Audiology and the silver wave” webinar hosted by the NZ Hearing Industry Association, she called for the Government to provide hearing aids for everyone who needs them, including the costs of assessment and fitting.

New GP Electricity members can get a $200 discount on your first power bill by signing up this month. Exclusive New Customer Offers HERE Current GP Electricity customers can also benefit with new services including discounted Car and Pet Insurance.

Please be aware that the article being circulated on-line about the Government’s plans to abolish state pensions is Fake News. The original news item is very alarming and appears to be on the NZ Herald website, by a Herald Journalist.

It appears that a significant number of pensioners and families in Northland are cancelling their insurance cover as premiums skyrocket according to a report from an article in the Northern Advocate. Northland’s Grey Power Board member , Russell Bird reports that Grey Power has been receiving more complaints, especially in the last 9 months, with many cancelling their cover. For those dependant on NZS as their sole income in retirement increases of the order of 25-40% are just not affordable and so cuts are necessary. Rather than being left without any protection those facing high increases are encouraged to get alternative quotes, and to consider raising their excess amount, rather than cancelling protection in these uncertain times.

Caroline Cooper, Aged Care Commissioner, brought a fresh approach and commitment to improving the way our more vulnerable seniors are treated in our struggling health service. Speaking at The Grey Power Federation AGM in late June, her passion for improving the situation for our most vulnerable seniors was refreshing.

Gayle Chambers was elected to great acclaim as the new Federation President at the recent AGM held in Wellington.

Couples on NZS had been promised $13 a week from tax cuts, but the budget delivered only $4.30, or just $2.15 a week for each retiree. While the Government is trying to reduce costs with significant cuts to the Public Service, it appears that the promise to put money into the pockets of working Kiwis does not apply to retired Kiwis no longer able to work.

The Retirement Commission’s Super Summit in March provided an opportunity for a range of views from the panellists on the purpose and future of NZS to be debated. Despite the differences there was a general acceptance that NZS is a robust, sustainable, and affordable way to support older New Zealanders to live in dignity and mana when they are no longer able to work. Any adjustments to the settings of NZS need to be carefully evaluated and implemented in a way that maintains confidence in the security of future generations.

Grey Power has been lobbying for a change to the inconsistent ways in which GPs are assessing Seniors for Driving Licence renewals around the country. Many seniors are facing stressful testing with cognitive tests that test their memory, rather than their driving ability. Medical experts have demonstrated that these tests are not good predictors of driving ability when forced on all those seeking a licence renewal at age 75, and the every 2 years from age 80.

Jan Pentecost QSM, has been a tireless advocate for seniors throughout her 14 years on the Federation Board. Recently Jan retired as President for family & health reasons. She will be sorely missed as a compassionate President of the organisation for the last 4 years, as well as for her commitment to thoroughly research major issues for supporting the Federation’s advocacy work throughout her 14 years on the Board.