Social Services For Older People
Everyone has the right, under the United Nations declaration, to dignity, independence, care, self-fulfilment and
participation. The elderly, those 65+ are no different.
In fact these people have made and will continue to make, through
volunteer work, companionship and so on, valuable contributions to New Zealand communities.
In recognition of this, Grey Power strives to make sure that fair systems are in place that
are of benefit to the older person.
Housing, education and ACC are some of the priorities of Grey Power.
ACC
A press release of 12 October 2011, reports a reduction in the workers and businesses levy of more than half a
billion dollars thanks to a healthy surplus of $3.5 billion.
However, the same press release reported that there is to be no change to the motor vehicle and petrol levy.
Read the full press release by MP Nick Smith.
So, is the motor vehicle levy fair to all age groups?
Probably not considering that, according to The National Statistics For Road Users, for the year ending December
31 2010 ...
1043 drivers and 736 passengers (totalling 1779 people) between the ages of 15 to 29yrs were
hospitalised
compared to
416 drivers and 187 passengers (totalling 603 people) aged 65 years plus.
From these statistics it is quite clear that, at a ratio of close to 3:1 the younger generation are far more
likely to require the services and assistance of ACC than that of the older generation.
The statistics can be viewed by following the link below.
The National Statistics For Road Users report.
The Woodhouse report is based on a 'no fault' philosophy.
Whereas this is a great starting point a rewriting
of current legislation is probably due and should be aimed at a far fairer system for our elder New Zealanders.
Housing
These days owning your own home is fast becoming a distant dream.
Although mortgage rates are at a reasonable level the price of buying a house puts this asset well out of reach
of many New Zealanders.
If you do happen to own a house the increasing costs of maintenance, rates, utilities such as electricity and gas
and the steadily rising cost of living, make it so much harder to cover those mortgage repayments.
For those 65yrs+ who are on a fixed income it is harder than ever to make ends meet.
