Living the dream — RETIREMENT
Ryman Peace of Mind Not all retirement villages are the same... • Fixed weekly fees* • Continuum of care • Deferred management fee capped at 20% To find out more phone Rose on 535 0225 *Terms and conditions apply
KC13242
2 — A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018
Living the Dream — Retirement
www.times.co.nz
Looking forward to retirement in so many, different ways R
etirement ain’t what it used to be. It’s better. Retirees are not only living longer, they’re generally healthier and more adventurous. As you’ll see in our many stories in this special feature edition called Living the Dream, on average, 80 per cent of 65-year-old men can now expect to live until they’re 90, and 65-year-old women until they’re 94. How incredible is that? Sure, our retirees still love their gardens and social group meetings and walks but so many are going above and beyond and cashing up or downsizing the home to spoil themselves.
They are relocating to sunnier climates, taking on the great outdoors, enjoying cruising our beautiful oceans, buying or renting campervans to explore our gorgeous country and even heading abroad for guided tours in wonderful destinations. There are of course many considerations before the Big R rolls up, some fairly serious of course, including reducing debt, calculating adequate savings plans and determining when and if to sell the home. You’ll find a little guidance in this publication. Enjoy. Tramping – one of the many adventuruous activities retirees can enjoy. Photo supplied
Here are the current superannuation rates of NZ Super from April 1, 2017 after tax has been deducted at rate ‘M’. For other tax codes, see the Work and Income website.
What do you mean no retirement age?
F
Standard NZ Super Rates (for tax code M) Qualifying as Weekly rate Annual rate Single – living alone $390.20 $20,290.40 Single – sharing $360.18 $18,729.36 Married, civil union or de facto couple: One partner qualifies (and the other is not included) $300.15 $15,607.80 Married, civil union or de facto couple: both partners qualify $300.15 each $15,607.80 each $600.30 jointly $31,215.60 jointly Married, civil union or de facto couple: One partner qualifies and the other is included $570.56 $29,669.12 Source: Ministry of Social Development – * If we have a partner who doesn’t already qualify for their own NZ Super, we can choose to include them in our payments. If we do this both partners could get paid, but any other income earned could affect how much we get. If payments started before October 1991, we may get more than the amount shown above. For help working out the best option, Work and Income can be reached on 0800 552 002.
or most people there is no official retirement age in New Zealand, but there are some exceptions. Many people stop working around the age of 65 – that’s when NZ Super and some other pension payments start. If you think you’ve been forced to retire, you can take a personal grievance against your employer or get help from the Human Rights Commission.
Jobs with a retirement age
There are a few jobs or employment situations
where you may not be able to keep working after a specific age. They include: • jobs where being a particular age or in a particular age group is genuinely needed for you to do the job, for example an actor who needs to be a certain age for a role • domestic employment in a private household, such as a cleaner or a gardener • some crew of ships and
The freedom of freehold retirement starts here
Many people stop working around the age of 65. Photo aarp.org
aircraft employed by foreign-owned companies that are operating in New Zealand • occupations where the retirement age is written into law, for example judges and coroners
BL6236 HP
What are your super rates?
Freehold Unit Titles Two Bedroom Apartments Perfect for people aged 60+ Bloom Swanson in Henderson complete April 2018 Bloom Hirstich in Manurewa complete September 2019
Show home available to view at Bloom Swanson Q&A sessions every Thursday Visit www.bloomliving for details or call Chrissie McKee on 021 469 946 SC3934
Living the Dream — Retirement
Bloom Living: a special place to live
Retirement Lifestyle & Travel Expo will have something for everyone
M
usic legends Gray Bartlett and Brendon Dugan will perform live at the Retirement Lifestyle & Travel Expo 2018 in Ellerslie next month. They are together again brining you the that all Kiwis remember and will perform daily at 12 noon. The Retirement Lifestyle & Travel Expo is focussed on providing all visitors an opportunity to access the best travel, products, services and entertainment, to help them Gray Bartlett and Brendon Dugan are firm Kiwi favourites. make their own choices for Photo supplied bringing about the lifestyle they want. products and services in travel, food, It is the only event where you can health care, leisure activities, lifestyle get exclusive opportunities for the choices, retirement planning and mature traveller. much more. The show is tailored specifically Visitors will be able speak to the to cater for the needs and wants experts, get the latest information and of retirees, baby boomers, and purchase goods at show-only specials. their families, to help them plan for Visit www.retirementlifestyleexpo. tomorrow while enjoying today. co.nz for more information. The expo is taking place on the weekend of Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at the Ellerslie Event win tickets Centre (Ellerslie Racecourse) and is open from 10am till 3pm on both days. We have three double passes All generations will also enjoy to the Retirement Lifestyle & expert speakers on stage throughout Travel Expo 2018 to give away. the day, from learning why a power To win simply visit the www. of attorney is necessary through to times.co.nz competition zone travelling to Antarctica. and enter your details. The Retirement Lifestyle & Travel Expo brings together the latest
LAWYERS
A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018 — 3
A
happy, healthy retirement means finding the right balance of proximity to family and friends, access to healthcare and amenities, and a smart financial investment for financial freedom. Bloom Living offers an alternative to a traditional retirement village: freehold retirement apartments, right in the heart of where you want to live. The key word here is freehold so owners retain 100 per cent of proceeds from any future resale. Financial security is not the only reason for choosing an apartment in a freehold development. Social inclusion and connection to a community is vital to a healthy retirement lifestyle, and Bloom Hirstich is a great example of this. Conveniently located at 20 Alfriston Road, Manurewa East, Bloom Hirstich is a development with a very special history. The Hirstich family owned this historic vineyard site, known as Alfriston Vineyards, for more than 70 years and the name has been chosen as a lasting legacy to this. Bloom apartments are designed exclusively for those over 60 who want to downsize from a larger home without compromising on quality, and those wishing to remain in the community where they have raised families and put down roots. Based on a ‘lifetime design’ philosophy, the apartments enable owners to remain independent for as long as possible. Level access throughout is standard with plenty of space to move
Our specialities include: • • • • •
For aLL your LEgaL nEEds
Level 1, Plaza Tower, Pakuranga Plaza ♦ Phone 576 7047 Email general@mullerlaw.co.nz ♦ www.mullerlaw.co.nz
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around and provision for mobility aids if needed. Apartments are well insulated with double-glazing to use energy efficiently - and built to take advantage of natural light and sun. Apartments have a private garden or balcony as well as access to a communal orchard and shared vegetable garden. But the real beauty of Bloom Hirstich is its location. Everything you might need is close at hand, including doctors, shops, banks, cinemas, gardens, clubs, sports centres and transport links. It’s also a short commute to the motorway, Manukau City, the Super Clinic, Middlemore Hospital and the airport. Bloom’s mission is to provide achievable, independent freehold retirement apartments so you have the freedom to flourish and enjoy your retirement, your way. It’s anticipated that Bloom Hirstich will be completed in September 2019. Visit bloomliving. co.nz to find out more.
Elderly Assist Ltd
Reliability, Integrity, Experience
mullerlaw
How about freehold retirement apartments? Photo supplied
R
Preparing your home for sale Downsizing and decluttering Packing and moving Unpacking and layout assistance Assistance with the sale of furniture and belongings • Estate dispersal
We work in the greater Auckland area.
Ph. 0800 839 874
CD1975
www.times.co.nz
Janice Willis
www.elderlyassist.co.nz
Do you have a Gold Card? If you list and sell through me, you will receive 10% off your commission. If you are looking for a real estate salesperson who provides great service, whilst providing second to none communication, please give me a call. Rachael meyeR LICENSED SALESPERSON
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Living the Dream — Retirement
4 — A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018
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Ron and Ngaire’s 100% score for Bruce McLaren. It was a simple cat scratch that speeded up Ron and Ngaire Higgins’ decision to move into Ryman Healthcare’s Bruce McLaren retirement village. The decision was easy, unlike the healing process. Cleo their beautiful Birman cat with the big blue eyes clawed Ron on the leg at the beginning of 2017 and the result, says Ron, was an arduous recovery. “I ended up in hospital with an infection for ve weeks. “They had to open up my knee to clean out the mechanical part of my knee replacement and now I have what’s known as concrete knee, so I can’t bend it. “On top of that I had to carry around a bag of antibiotics which were being administered intravenously for another four months.” The experience underlined for the couple how much more difficult the everyday things involved in
home ownership were becoming. Comparing that time with life in the village now, Ron, 91, can think of a positive straightaway: “I don’t have to do lawns and cut hedges!” he laughs. Adds Ngaire, 89: “Mowing the lawns is heavy work for an elderly man! It was just getting to be too much.” And what with all the laundry, cooking and cleaning chores on top of that, home life was becoming quite difficult. The couple put their home in Hatelds Beach, Orewa on the market as they investigated retirement villages, however the search was over before it had even begun! “We came down to have a look near Howick for somewhere close to Ngaire’s daughter Denise and we didn’t even look at any other,” says Ron. “We just came here and decided this was it.” The couple, who met on a blind
date after being matched up by their best friends and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, have now lived in their serviced apartment at Bruce McLaren for eight months. They love the fact they no longer have to worry about getting all the little chores done - their towels are changed daily, the rubbish gets collected, and once a week the bed linen is changed and the apartment is vacuumed and cleaned. There’s also a cooked meal and morning and afternoon tea provided each day. “The food is just like my mother used to dish up at home, I think that’s very good,” says Ngaire. The effects of that, says Ron, have been huge as their lives have opened up again. “We have done a lot more being here than we were doing at home. There are a lot of trips and things and it’s more social. We’ve made quite a few new friends and
enjoy mingling with everybody at Happy Hour.” Ngaire adds that they’re just as happy enjoying a day trip out to Muriwai beach as they are sitting out on their balcony listening to the birds chirping in the hedge and chatting to their neighbours, catching a movie in the village cinema or people-watching in the village centre. “We’ve got a swimming pool here too and I’m a swimmer. It’s warm and always available,” she says. Ngaire is very proud of her good health, pointing out that she doesn’t take any medication at all, and loves to keep t and active by walking regularly and doing yoga when she can. These days, she admits, she’s happy just to walk around the village after what was supposed to be a quick walk back to the village from the shops down the road saw her recently getting lost and
ending up in Cockle Bay. “I got my pilot’s licence at 52 so you wonder how I managed to get lost but it’s a lovely walk around the building,” she laughs. The option of further health care facilities within the village care centre should they need them in the future was a huge factor. Ron adds: “If anything happens to me, there’s always somewhere for Ngaire to go and someone to look after her which to me is worth the weight.” And with all the help they need on hand and delivered by the friendly and helpful staff, life at the village is pretty good. “It’s fantastic,” says Ron. “My advice to other people who are thinking about moving in is you can’t go wrong. I think it’s 100 per cent!” Give Rose a call on 535 0225 to discuss your retirement living options and to arrange a private tour.
“I don’t have a worry in the world” Serviced apartment available now! Phone Rose on 535 0225 to arrange to view our show apartment 795 Chapel Road, Howick KC13345A
Living the Dream — Retirement
www.times.co.nz
A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018 — 5
Ambridge Rose Manor residents help their neigh-bours H
arnessing the healing power of horses reduces stress levels and improves quality of life – for people of all ages and abilities. Recently, residents from Ambridge Rose Manor got up close and personal with the horses at Ambury Park Centre and discovered firsthand how therapeutic the magnificent creatures can be. “Residents Richard Speight and Isobel Hayden were involved with horses all their lives, and both felt completely at home in their presence,” says Ambridge Rose Manor activities team member Pamela Hayde. The residents thoroughly enjoyed meeting the horses, but it wasn’t all foaling around. They had a special delivery for the trusty steeds in the form of pre-used and sterilised towels from Ambridge Rose Manor. “We wanted to do something that would benefit the local community,” says Hayde, who devised the initiative. “The towels are going to be put to good use rather than being thrown away and
they will be used to dry the horses when they return in from the paddock. “Everybody absolutely loved the experience and the visit was a huge benefit to all. “We hope to make further visits in the future.” Ambridge Rose Manor residents Richard Speight and Isobel Hayden reminiscing with the horses at Ambury Park Centre. Photo supplied Frank Sin
Generating friendship T
oday’s children and older people often have limited opportunities for interaction. Families are living further away from each other, people are having families at a later age – children often don’t get the chance to spend time with their older relatives. This means limited chances for inter-generational learning and sharing. The Children’s Corner Howick and the local Communicare Friendship
Centre are partnering to create opportunities for preschoolers to engage with older people and cultivate special friendships. They are aiming to improve children’s awareness of ageing and develop a sense of caring and respect for the elderly. Inter-generational activities also increase mental and physical health in older people. An opportunity to nurture, share experiences and be creative increases self- worth, reduces
feelings of isolation and improves emotional wellbeing – the very essence of Communicare’s friendship centre. Diane Cornelius, owner of The Children’s Corner Centre, believes in the importance of providing these opportunities for children to develop empathy with the elderly. Diane says, “Children’s sense of self and belonging is fostered when they actively engage within their local community.”
Communicare Coordinator Sarah Gates says, “It’s wonderful to see the children with our members. Enjoying each-others company, being creative and keeping them young at heart.” The children join the members of Howick’s Communicare Friendship Centre sharing in a variety of crafts, games and activities. Communicare Friendship Centre, Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm, All Saint’s Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick (school term times only). Phone 09 631 5968 or email office@ communicare.co.nz.
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Living the Dream — Retirement
6 — A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018
PLAY GOLF AT MUSICK POINT
Memberships from $400 Green Fee players welcome Contact
The Howick Golf Club 32 Musick Point Rd, Bucklands Beach
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www.howickgolf.co.nz
The Willows Home & Hospital
The Willows is easily accessible to family and friends with a bus route close by and easy walk to Otahuhu shopping centre, churches and various senior citizens clubs.
16 Princes St, Otahuhu. Ph 270 3516 www.thewillowshome.com 118981
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St Paddy’s party leaves Bruce McLaren abuzz G
reen theme perfect way to launch annual art expo. St Patrick’s Day celebrations turned the Bruce McLaren village centre into a sea of green as residents adorned themselves in wigs, hats and green clothing to mark the Irish national day. With village manager Chantelle Hand hailing from Northern Ireland, the occasion was given an extra air of authenticity, so much so that Ryman Healthcare’s chief executive Gordon MacLeod knew that Bruce McLaren was the place to be that day! The residents were entertained by children from the Doyle Academy of Irish Dance followed by live music and singing before the area was transformed again for a special cocktail night to launch the village’s annual art expo weekend. Chantelle said the atmosphere was ‘brilliant’. “It was a fantastic buzz. The food was amazing, the chefs really did us proud.
Enjoying St Patrick’s Day were Dr Bruce Greenfield and staff members Nicky Rijns and Marinel Miralles. Photo supplied
“Everyone wanted me to dance and I did have a little dance with the residents but I wasn’t going to do
any Irish jig,” she laughed. Chantelle said having the CEO there had been very exciting for the staff who were left buzzing for
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the whole night. “The mood really carried on through the evening and having the two functions together went really well too. It meant for once the cocktail party wasn’t such a black tie affair as many people kept their green clothes on!” Sales advisor Rose Lawlor said it was an awesome way to launch what was a very busy weekend for the village. A steady flow of people passed through to see the artworks on display coming from as far afield as Remuera, Papakura, Orewa and even Tauranga and around half a dozen paintings were sold too. Another highlight from the same week was a day trip to the Hunua Ranges with the village’s activities coordinators taking two busloads of independent residents for the experience. “They took the portable barbecue and had lunch while they were there and they came back raving about the good time they’d all had,” said Rose.
Living the Dream — Retirement
www.times.co.nz
A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018 — 7
Ellerslie Event Centre, Ellerslie Racecourse, Remuera, Auckland 14 -15 April 2018, 10am - 3pm DAILY
The only exhibition of the Latest Products, Services, Travel, Speakers and Entertainment for Baby Boomers, Retirees and their families! • Travel and Tours • Health and Wellbeing • Investment and Trusts Ladies in red hats with their queen (dressed in purple hat) and queen mother (third left), just want to have fun! Times photo Farida Master
• Lifestyle Planning
Having fun while growing old
• Hearing Specialists • Cruising
DAILY ADMISSION PRICES
Adult $12.00 Senior $10.00
(With SuperGold Card)
Children FREE
Free Parking / Easy Access
Door Sales or pre-purchase online via eventfinda
• Coach and Rail Tours • Show Only Specials • CAFÉ on Site! • and more...
for
admission with this coupon to The Retirement Lifestyle and Travel Expo 2018 Please hand to attendant on entry www.retirementlifestyleexpo.co.nz
14 - 15 April 2018. 10am - 3pm DAILY
14 - 15 April 2018. 10am - 3pm DAILY
www.retirementlifestyleexpo.co.nz Ellerslie Event Centre, Remuera, Auckland
T
hey cut quite a striking picture in red hats and violet dresses. Difficult to miss were the original Botany Babes and Vintage Violets from Takapuna with their red handbags and bling, having a jolly good time at a cafe at Botany Town Centre. A quick chat revealed that they belong to The Red Hat Society, a worldwide society for women over 50 who wish to grow old disgracefully—having fun and enjoying life. This year the Red Hat Society
Ladies is celebrating 20 years of Red Hatting. Within New Zealand there are 46 chapters in the North Island and 26 in the South Island. The Botany Babes meet on the second friday of the month for coffee at Columbus Coffee, Botany South and on the fourth Friday they have a fun outing together. This month, the ladies with red hats are off to Waiheke for the day. Interestingly, each chapter has a Queen who is supported by her vice Queen and Queen Mother. They even host a coronation night! For more information call Jill the Queen at 537-3445.
• Destinations
Ellerslie Event Centre, Remuera, Auckland
By Farida Master
• Clubs and Hobbies
• Exclusive Opportunities for the Mature Traveller Entertainment Includes: • Travel Presentations - On Stage throughout the day • Music Legends Gray Bartlett and Brendon Dugan performing their greatests hits live at 12 noon each day
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Up to date equipment and well trained staff we provide an all round experience.
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Crawford Medical Centre | P 09 538 0083 | 4 Picton Street, Howick
8 — A Times Newspapers Supplement, March 2018
Living the Dream — Retirement
www.times.co.nz
Retirement planning saving for retirement A
sk anyone who’s retired and they will say to start saving for retirement as soon as you can. Even if it seems a long way off, it pays to start planning for retirement as early as possible. How much we need to save will depend on our own circumstances, but the sooner we start, the better the position we’ll be in when we eventually stop working. While NZ Super (the government pension) can help us get by, it’s our own savings that will help to make retirement fun and comfortable.
How much will I need to retire? Everyone’s retirement needs are different. To work this out, we can start by thinking about how long we will have in retirement, what sort of lifestyle we will want, and where we will live.
How many years will I have in retirement? There is no ‘retirement age’ in New Zealand. NZ Super is paid from age 65, but you don’t have to stop working
to get it. These days, more and more people are working beyond 65 either full-time or part-time. We’re living longer these days. On average, 80 per cent of 65-year-old men can now expect to live until they’re 90, and 65-year-old women until they’re 94. In the future, we’ll probably live even longer. These figures are based on the latest Statistics New Zealand cohort life tables. Let’s say we plan to retire at 65. We need to save or have another plan to provide the income we want for 25 years or more, and make sure our money lasts as long as we do.
What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want? What will our cost of living be in retirement? Some costs may go up (like healthcare) while others (such as education, clothing, housing, work-related travel) may go down. If we have children, they will probably be financially independent. We also need to think about what our goals might be in retirement – travelling to new places? Joining clubs,
going out to dinner and shows?
Will I live in my own home or rent? If we rent, we’ll need more savings to cover the cost – but on the other hand, we won’t have money tied up in a home. However, owning the place we live in, debt-free, will reduce the risk of rent increases or being asked to find a new place to live. We’ll have more control over our finances, but we will have to take care of maintenance, insurance and rates. Being mortgage-free by retirement is a great goal to aim for. The reason many people currently in retirement are able to manage financially is because they no longer have the burden of mortgage repayments.
Budget for retirement Getting close to retirement? It might be a good time to work out a detailed budget. Think about what weekly expenses might be in today’s money. Take basics into account,
such as insurance, maintaining the We also need to think about what our goals might be house and car, in retirement – travelling to new places? Joining clubs, or replacing a going out to dinner and shows? major appliance. Build in some funds for the NZ Super provides, and unexpected. the income we want in Think about the big things retirement. So we’ll need to have other sources when that might need to be paid for later on – like a new car, planning for retirement new roof or repainting the needs such as: house. • Our own savings Make a retirement • Income and nest eggs budget with our budgeting from retirement savings tool - sorted.org.nz/tools/ schemes like KiwiSaver, budgeting-tool/welcome other pensions and workplace savings, investments, and cash Where will the money deposits come from? • Employment Paying off debt in retirement • We may prefer and be can be more difficult. We able to keep working, need to make it our priority to either full-time or part be debt-free before we retire. time (as long as we have Many retired New the skills and capacity). Zealanders get their income Around a third of Kiwis from two main sources – NZ continue some form of Super, and their own savings. paid work past age 65. However it is estimated that • Other sources of income around 40 per cent of New could include investment Zealanders over the age of 65 income from the sale or rely on NZ Super alone. rental of property, the Take a look at the current sale of a business or an rates of NZ Super (see table inheritance. on this page). Would that be Use our retirement enough to live on? planner to work out how Most likely, there will be much to save. a gap between the income Source: sorted.org.nz
HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.
HBH Senior Living and East Health Trust are exploring an exciting new initiative to help people in your community age well – and we’d like your feedback.
Loneliness is now understood to be a major health issue affecting older people, both physically and psychologically.
We’re investigating whether a ‘Village without Walls’ in Howick would support older people to overcome loneliness and social isolation.
Please visit https://www.hbh.org.nz /village-without-walls to find out more about a ‘Village without Walls’ in Howick and let us know what you think by completing the survey Thank you!
JH13640