For the Long Run: Executive Summary
For the Long Run presents a clear, evidence based picture of what older New Zealanders need to live well, remain independent and continue contributing as they age - and what Aotearoa New Zealand must do now to make that possible. Drawing on the voices of almost 30,000 older New Zealanders who responded to the Forum's Healthy Ageing Pulse Check survey conducted in May/ June 2026, alongside economic analysis and international research, the report identifies the first decade after 65 as a critical window for action. This period - The Decade of Opportunity - is when timely support can preserve independence, prevent avoidable decline and deliver long-term social and economic value.
The Decade of Opportunity: why the years from 65 to 74 matter
From the survey responses received, it is clear that the ten years after 65 are a time of transition: adjusting work and income, making housing decisions, managing changing health needs and finding new ways to stay connected. Early action to support and help people thrive during this decade can:
- keep people independent for longer
- reduce avoidable pressure on health, housing and care systems
- preserve choice and wellbeing
- strengthen families/whanau, workplaces and communities.
Taking early action increases options and reduces long-term costs.
Five foundations of healthy ageing
For the Long Run identifies five interconnected areas that shape whether people can remain independent, connected and able to contribute:
Contribution and connection
Older people contribute extensively - 87% of survey respondents had volunteered, worked, cared or supported others in the past month - and more than half want to do more. However, barriers such as ageism, lack of flexible roles and transport challenges limit participation.
Housing
Housing pressure is widespread: 50% reported housing cost stress, and 56% said suitable local housing would be difficult or very difficult to find if they needed to move. Even mortgage free homeowners face costs and maintenance burdens. Small, early interventions can prevent a person's physical decline and protect independence.
Transport
Mobility is essential for connection, healthcare access and daily life. Only 52% believed they would have reliable transport if they could no longer drive. Small towns, and particularly rural communities, face the biggest gaps.
Healthcare
Health is the biggest factor in staying active and connected, yet one in five respondents delayed care due to cost. Preventive care, vaccination, oral health, hearing and vision support offer high-impact, cost-effective benefits, but access and uptake remain uneven.
Planning and access
Many older people struggle to find or navigate support. One-third do not know where to access services, and almost half worry about losing independence. Clearer pathways, human support and locally relevant information are essential.
Turning opportunity into positive outcomes
New Zealand has a rapidly growing "natural resource": more older people who want to stay well, contribute and strengthen communities. Longer lives can enhance New Zealand's fiscal resilience, workforce, communities and intergenerational wellbeing - but only if systems, policies and investments keep pace. Much of what is needed already exists in pockets across the country. The opportunity now is to:
- connect and scale what works
- act earlier
- remove barriers
- make support easier to find and use
- invest where long-term value is greatest.
Older New Zealanders already generate enormous benefit for the country and want to continue doing so. Their contributions span paid work, volunteering, caring, mentoring, cultural leadership and community involvement. Yet many face pressures that limit their ability to stay well and engaged - including housing costs, transport gaps, delayed healthcare and difficulty accessing support. Unlocking the longevity dividend of longer, productive lives requires coordinated, early, practical action.
A call to action: Five Pledges
The Forum therefore calls for coordinated, cross-sector action through five practical, evidence-based Pledges - Pledges for investment in longer, better, more sustainable lives.
The For the Long Run report weaves these five Pledges with the voices of older people into its priorities for action, providing a blueprint for turning longer lives into greater wellbeing, contribution and resilience.
BETTER DATA ON AGEING
- Segment reporting beyond 65 - report later life in more meaningful age groups
- Measure contribution as well as need.
SECURE HOUSING IN COMMUNITY
- Undertake a national review of housing insecurity for older generations
- Make existing homes safer and easier to manage
- Protect and expand secure housing within communities
- Increase the supply of housing designed for longer lives
- Provide trusted housing advice before decisions become urgent.
PLAN TO THRIVE TO 105
- Connect the whole picture: support integrated planning across health, housing, transport, work, caring responsibilities, contribution and connection
- Make existing information and support easier to find and use
- Ensure human guidance is available alongside digital tools.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO STAY CONNECTED
- Create clearer pathways to contribute
- Support flexible participation in later life
- Treat transport as essential connection infrastructure
- Strengthen coordinated local support
- Enhance the local places and networks that sustain connection.
PROACTIVE HEALTH CHECKS
- Make prevention visible and accessible through community-based health checks
- Focus on preventive interventions
- Improve adult vaccination access and uptake
- Reduce the cost and access barriers that cause people to delay care
- Bring prevention and support closer to where people live
- Strengthen practical support at home.
The evidence is clear - acting early is more effective and more cost-efficient than responding to crisis later. The systems we build now will determine whether longer lives deliver a growing longevity dividend or escalate avoidable pressure.
As the report highlights, older New Zealanders are already in it for the long run ... our attitudes, systems, policies and investments need to be in it for the long run for them too.
