Securing the future older NZers deserve

National is committed to ensuring older New Zealanders have the security, wellbeing and respect they deserve, says Senior Citizens Spokesperson Jo Goodhew.

“Older New Zealanders have worked hard and deserve to enjoy their retirement. Ensuring they are able to do so with dignity is important,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“Financial security is a huge part of this. That’s why National has, and will continue, to maintain the link between Superannuation and 66 per cent of the average wage.

“Under National, the number of businesses offering discounts through the SuperGold card scheme has been massively expanded -- from 876 businesses in 2008 to around 7,200 this year, and we will continue to increase it.

“Older New Zealanders are using their SuperGold card to get discounts on the goods and services they want and value, such as cheaper petrol, legal services and healthcare,” she says.

Crime is down to the lowest level in 35 years. We are staying tough on criminals to ensure the justice system is focused on the rights of victims.

Reducing elder abuse and neglect continues to be a priority for National. Work in this area includes establishing two new Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services covering Wairoa, Rotorua, and Kawerau – taking the total number of services across the country to 26.

“As a result of our careful economic management National is able to further enhance the healthcare being received by New Zealanders,” she says.

“Despite tight financial times, which have seen many countries freezing or even reducing funding for health services, the National-led Government has increased funding to aged residential care by over $240 million.

“Under National, 21,000 extra patients over the age of 65 are now receiving elective surgery each year. We will further reduce waiting times for surgery with district health boards required to provide surgery to patients accepted onto their elective surgery lists within four months.

“National is also speeding up cancer care. We want patients with a high suspicion of cancer to see a cancer specialist within a maximum of two weeks, and commence their first treatment within 62 days.

“A National-led Government will also invest an extra $20 million a year to provide more hospice palliative care services for New Zealanders.”

“This funding boost will help the country’s 29 hospices expand their community palliative care services into better supporting terminally ill people at home and in aged care facilities,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“New Zealand’s ageing population represents challenges and opportunities, and National is well placed to handle both.

“Older New Zealanders tell me they want to be valued for their contribution to society, and not be seen as a burden. Our over 65s are contributing more to the economy than ever before, and this is only expected to increase in the future.

“They deserve to be healthy, independent, respected and connected.”

National’s Senior Citizens Policy is available at: http://ntnl.org.nz/1w5fyUF

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