The New Zealand Seniors Series: The Quality of Life Report

• New Zealand seniors rate their overall quality of life at an average of 6.8 (out of 10)
• Almost two in five report a decline in their quality of life
• More than half have delayed or considered delaying medical care due to cost

As we age, many of us picture a fulfilling retirement - time to enjoy hobbies, connect with loved ones, and reap the rewards of a lifetime of hard work. However, the reality can look a bit different, with some of us facing challenges with health, housing, and financial security. So what does living out our golden years really look like in New Zealand in 2025?

The Quality of Life Report 2025, part of the New Zealand Seniors series, delves into the issues that matter most to our community. Surveying over 500 New Zealanders over 50, this report offers a comprehensive overview of the key factors impacting our lives. From healthcare access and aged care preferences to financial wellbeing and emotional support, the report uncovers our realities, concerns, and aspirations as we navigate this chapter.

Healthcare hurdles

While we all hope to enjoy good health as we age, the reality for many is that accessing healthcare becomes increasingly challenging. In fact, nearly half (45%) of us have experienced long wait times for specialist or hospital care, with the average delay stretching to a concerning 108 days.

It’s not just wait times causing concern, with the rising cost of healthcare also taking its toll. To make ends meet, nearly half (45%) of us are cutting back on daily expenses to afford healthcare, most commonly reducing spending on entertainment (32%) and groceries (28%). It can be a difficult choice, needing to think about prioritising health at the cost of other aspects of living a full life. When it comes to our biggest concerns about the current healthcare system, many of us have experienced long wait times (63%), understaffing (61%), and insufficient funding (59%), highlighting the urgent need for solutions to these challenges.

Karen Billings-Jensen, Chief Executive of Age Concern New Zealand, says: “Concerns around timely access to healthcare, including long wait times to see doctors or specialist support, hospital waiting lists, and staffing levels, illustrate just some of the difficulties seniors face during retirement. It’s concerning that some older people are managing rising healthcare costs by cutting back on social activities, or more worryingly, cutting back on food and grocery expenditure, as we know that risks around malnutrition and isolation impact ageing outcomes.” 

The retirement squeeze: Financial wellbeing

These healthcare challenges can be compounded by broader financial anxiety, with many of us feeling the 'retirement squeeze’. The report reveals that seven in ten of us feel uncertain about our financial future. Unfortunately, this isn't just vague unease; it's a tangible anxiety fueled by rising living costs and the ever-present fear of outliving our savings.

More than half (55%) of us report that financial pressures are negatively impacting our quality of life, and more than a quarter of us (27%) have noticed a decline in mental wellbeing over the past two years. The rising cost of living and inflation (68%), insufficient savings (59%), and healthcare expenses (54%) are the top financial concerns weighing on our minds. It's a stark reminder that a comfortable retirement is becoming increasingly elusive for many of us.

Navigating the future of aged care

Adding to the financial anxieties of the 'retirement squeeze,' the future of aged care looms large for many of us, impacting our overall quality of life. The report reveals a strong preference for aging in place, with nearly seven in ten (69%) of us expressing a desire to receive aged care in our own homes. We want to be around familiar surroundings (73%), still feel a sense of independence (72%), and have control over daily routines (66%). However, aging in place also presents challenges, and we are concerned about keeping up with home maintenance (51%) and general safety (50%).

While aging in place is the preferred option for most, it's not always feasible or sustainable, leading many to opt for the aged care route. The report also highlights concerns about the cost of aged care, with nearly half of us (50%) indicating that we would struggle financially if we needed aged care immediately. This financial uncertainty, coupled with concerns about staffing levels (54%) and care quality (53%), underscores the need for innovative and affordable aged care solutions that meet the diverse needs of New Zealand's aging population.

Karen Billings-Jensen commented: “The growing concern about the ability to age in place remains a recurring theme for New Zealand seniors. They are conscious of being able to age within their own home and community, and the level of support needed to enable that. They’re also conscious of the concerns around access and financial readiness to enter aged care if necessary."

Finding strength in community: Keys to a fulfilling later life

So, what does a fulfilling life look like for us? The report found that the overall quality of life score for New Zealanders aged 70 and above is significantly higher (7.5-7.6 out of 10) compared to Gen X (6.3), suggesting that as we age, we may discover valuable strategies for maintaining wellbeing. 

On top of this, almost two-thirds (62%) of us consider time with family, and remaining capable and resilient, as key factors for a satisfactory retirement. Furthermore, over half of us (54%) believe maintaining purpose in our life, and being able to pursue our interests and hobbies, are essential. By prioritising these aspects of our lives, seniors can navigate the challenges of aging with greater resilience and maintain a sense of fulfillment, ultimately leading to a more positive and rewarding quality of life.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the New Zealand Seniors Series.  

5 Aug 2025