Large numbers of older New Zealanders are being forced to make tough choices - cutting back on essentials like food and socialising as rising healthcare costs and living expenses squeeze their budgets.

And they’re nervous about the future too with nearly 70% feeling uncertain about their financial outlook. The findings come from the 2025 Quality of Life Report, commissioned by insurance company New Zealand Seniors and conducted by research group MYMAVINS. 

Not news to Age Concern NZ

Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen says the results reflect what it’s hearing from communities across New Zealand, and it’s concerning.

“The report clearly highlights that cost of living, long-term financial security, health concerns, housing and social connection are all critical factors influencing quality of life for older people,” she says.

“It’s concerning that some older people were managing rising healthcare costs by cutting back on social activities or, more worryingly, cutting back on food and grocery expenditure.” 

The Kiwi can-do attitude prevails

Kiwi seniors are still resilient, however, with an average life satisfaction score of 6.8 out of 10. But that does mean 26% are experiencing a poor quality of life (a rating less than 6), while 38% say their quality of life has gone down over the past two years.

The survey of 500 Kiwis aged 50+ found that three in four are feeling the pinch from rising living costs, making it the top issue affecting their overall quality of life. As a result, many are scaling back on:

• Groceries (52%)
• Travel (49%)
• Transport (40%)
• Enjoyed activities (34%)
• Socialising (30%)

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