Welcome to ElderLink
The Kaupapa
ElderLink is dedicated to supporting Marlborough's 65+ demographic both now and into the future. Our kaupapa is guided by two key focuses:
- Immediate objectives - Providing direct, practical assistance to our service recipients on an as-needed basis.
- Long-Term Vision - fostering a lasting culture of care across generations. By addressing both present needs and future sustainability, we ensure that support for over-65s in our community is future-proofed.
Immediate Purpose:
Our direct support includes practical assistance like food parcel delivery and social connection initiatives including projector movie nights and 'talk cafes.' By assisting with the cost of living and fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement, we are able to ensure nobody has to feel isolated or forgotten.
Long-Term Vision:
We are committed to creating a future where support for over-65s is deeply embedded at a grassroots level in Marlborough. By connecting older people with younger generations and promoting youth volunteering, we're hoping to cultivate a lifelong sense of engagement and care across age demographics - ensuring future generations grow up valuing and looking out for those who built our communities. We want Marlborough to stand out nationally as a community that provides exceptional quality of life for its older population.
The Challenges
Some over-65s are spending up to 95 percent of their superannuation on rent. The Retirement Commission estimates the number of over-65s who are renting could double by 2048, to more than 600,000.
- RNZ Investigation
On average, a single pension recipient on a "no frills" budget spends $564.25 weekly, while the pension for those living alone is $519.47 - leaving people having to spend more than they received.
- Massey University Study
20% of over-65s pay rent, and this increases to 35% of Māori and 46% of Pasifika. Many live in unsuitable housing, struggle to pay increasingly high rents, and find themselves moving constantly.
- The Retirement Commission
Social isolation is associated with higher mortality in older adults - the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
- Aging Well National Challenge
Please Support Our Work
Your contribution helps us continue providing essential support to seniors in Marlborough.
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