Retirement Life
28 January 2026
Profile - Ian Fraser, Seniors at work
After struggling to secure a new job in his 50s, Ian Fraser took matters into his own hands, launching Seniors@work - a website connecting motivated older workers with employers who genuinely value them. While the job market may be challenging right now, Ian is optimistic things are about to shift, and he’s got solid advice to help job seekers prepare.
Tell us a bit about Seniors@work and how long it’s been running?
Seniors@work is a job platform dedicated to helping Kiwi job seekers aged 50 and over to find work. We launched in 2019, a few months before Covid and encourage employers to list positions with us that are suitable for this demographic. Older job seekers then have the opportunity to apply for roles with employers who positively welcome and encourage them.
What are the biggest issues you’re noticing for seniors in the employment market right now?
It has been a very tough few years with little or no economic growth in New Zealand - which affects employers. They simply aren’t recruiting to the same levels they were even in 2023. This correlates to job seekers having less opportunities to get an interview, let alone a job.
But being a positive person, I have all my fingers and toes crossed that we are slowly turning the corner and 2026 will be a much more positive year for this demographic. A reasonable number of economists and business commentators are suggesting a slowly improving economy in 2026, which should flow on to more business confidence and more work opportunities.
How much would you get a fortnight with Lifetime?
What trends are you seeing in the employment market for seniors?
Rising participation
More seniors are staying in the workforce. New Zealand already has one of the highest senior employment rates in the OECD, with 24%–25% of people aged 65+ still working. That’s expected to rise to one in three by 2038.
Financial and health drivers
Increased life expectancy (82.7 years on average last year) and better overall health mean longer working lives. At the same time, cost-of-living pressures, limited retirement savings and rising health expenses are pushing many to continue working into their 70s.
Flexibility
Workplace flexibility is now essential. ‘Phased retirement’ is becoming common as seniors juggle work with family roles such as caring for grandchildren. More employers are embracing flexible hours and remote work - which is great to see.
Upskilling and retraining
As technology and AI reshape jobs, older workers increasingly need to retrain. While access to training can be a barrier, the rise of ‘skills-based hiring’ (focusing on skills rather than just qualifications) is helping. Seniors should take up any training offered - and if they’re not currently employed, there are many affordable courses worth exploring. (Places like the Ministry of Social Development can provide/fund courses for older job seekers).
Skill shortages and mentoring
Talent shortages are prompting more employers to recognise older workers as an untapped resource. Seniors are also playing crucial mentoring roles, passing on experience to younger staff and protecting corporate memory.
What advice would you give those nearing, or in, retirement right now?
Make sure they prepare thoroughly before applying for a job as a senior. Their CV has to be up to date, not too long (just the past 10-12 years of work history), and their covering letter needs to be specific to the role they’re applying for. We cover all this in the Work Readiness Info Pack on our website. Also: stay positive, resilient and patient as it isn’t easy finding work currently, but with some patience and preparedness, opportunities will come.
Who inspires you most in the retirement arena?
The resilience of so many struggling job seekers – it isn’t easy for them.
Ian Fraser: Founder of Seniors@work
If you could give your younger self one piece of retirement advice, what would it be?
Save prudently for your retirement – it is much easier now with KiwiSaver. Many, if not most, people in my age group didn’t save wisely, unfortunately, and hence don’t have sufficient funds saved to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
What’s the number one thing you would like to spend more time doing in retirement yourself one day?
Taking up golf again with my wife and being able to see my children and grandchildren more – two of our children live overseas, one in London, the other in New York.
Written by:
Sonia Speedy
Sonia Speedy has been a journalist for over 20 years, working in newspapers, magazines and radio. She also runs an online platform for parents at familytimes.co.nz. She lives on the Kāpiti Coast with her young family and loves writing stories that help make people's lives easier.
Invest with Lifetime for a retirement income managed for living.