Improving the lives of our seniors

New SuperGold app and website proving popular

A new app and website are helping SuperGold cardholders to find discounts and special offers quickly and easily.

Around 55,000 people have downloaded the new SuperGold app since it was launched in October and 160,000 people have visited the new website.

Coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, 200 people joined Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin in Auckland in October to launch the new website and app.

SuperGold cardholders can stretch their dollar further in more than 9,500 places across the country. Well-known companies like Qantas, Spark, Noel Leeming, OPSM and SpecSavers have recently joined SuperGold. Together with our longstanding local and nationwide business partners, they’re providing discounts and special offers to SuperGold cardholders throughout New Zealand.

The new app and website make it easy for people to find discounts close to home and when travelling around the country.

New Zealanders aged 65+ are increasingly digitally minded. Sixty-nine percent of older people are online, and just over half own a smartphone. The new app and website mean people can discover SuperGold savings in the most convenient way for them.

The SuperGold website can be accessed from any computer or mobile device. The app can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet (eg, iPad). The SuperGold card isn’t changing, and people will still need to show it to receive their discount or special offer.

Visit www.supergold.govt.nz to find out more.

Making the future better for New Zealanders as we age

The Better Later Life He Oranga Kaumātua strategy – which aims to make the future better for New Zealanders as we age – was recently launched by the Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin.

The strategy will help ensure there are opportunities for everybody to participate, contribute and be valued as we age. Many older people are living well, but the number who are not is likely to increase in the future.

The proportion of older people compared to the rest of the population is increasing. By 2034, there will be 1.2 million people aged 65+ (21 percent – just over a fifth of the population).

Better Later Life has five key areas for action including:

• Achieving financial security and economic participation
• Promoting healthy ageing and improving access to services
• Creating diverse housing choices and options
• Enhancing opportunities for social connection
• Making environments accessible.

While central government can provide leadership, local government, non-government organisations, families, and individuals all have an important part to play in embracing the opportunities that an ageing population and longevity brings.

The new strategy, which runs from 2019 to 2034, is led by the Office for Seniors. It replaces the Positive Ageing Strategy 2001.