Despite the uncertainty of 2020, a new report commissioned by New Zealand Seniors has found more than one in three
(35.8%) New Zealanders over 50 are considering relocating to a different area within the country, even amidst a hot
property market.
The new Living Purposefully in 2021 report forms part of the New Zealand Seniors Series, a research program focused on better understanding the latest
attitudes and perspectives of Kiwis over 50. Surveying over 500 Kiwi seniors, the research found that the most
motivating factor in the desire to relocate is the cost of living (35.1%) followed by wanting to be closer to family
(25.3%). Over a third (36.0%) of respondents looking to move indicated that the regions was the destination of choice
and seven in 10 (70.9%) were looking to move closer to the coast.
Wendy Alexander, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) says, “In the last
three years the national median house price has risen by 47.6 per cent from $560,000 to $826,300 so it’s not surprising
that the cost of living is the number one driving factor behind seniors looking to relocate to a different part of the
country.
“Many seniors may be looking to take advantage of cost savings that can be achieved by moving to a more affordable part
of the country - especially if they’ve been unable to pay off their mortgage before retiring, which is becoming more
commonplace in recent years.”
Despite New Zealand’s booming property market, a relatively small proportion of only just over one in 10 (13.2%) have
considered, or have purchased, an investment property over the last year.
Therese Waters, New Zealand Seniors Spokesperson and Head of Communications, Content & Research at Greenstone said, “We conducted this research to better understand how Kiwis over 50 have adapted following
2020 and how this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has shaped their view of the future.
“An overarching theme of the research, and perhaps unsurprising, was that this demographic places a huge importance on
family. Given the fact COVID-19 forced many families to be apart last year, they are now looking to spend more time with
their loved ones, and possibly relocate to be closer to them.”
“It’s also reassuring to see that this group are largely optimistic about the future. Given the tumultuous and uncertain
time that we are living in, it is great to see that New Zealand’s shift and strong response to the pandemic has given
them hope for the future of their country,” added Waters.2021 brings fresh mindsets and ambition shifts for seniors
According to the report, the challenging events of 2020 have seen close to three-quarters (72.3%) of Kiwis over 50
experience at least some shift in their pre-COVID-19 mindset. The most considerable areas of change in mindset are noted
as focussing on the issues of the world (48.7%), learning not to sweat the small stuff (42.6%) and the desire to spend
more quality time with family (39.9%).
Priorities have also shifted for this group with over half (58.2%) placing more importance on their health. Connecting
with family and friends (49.2%), and how they were spending their money (41.0%), were also areas in which they have now
prioritised as a result of COVID-19.
Almost two-thirds have been inspired to get more out of life (64.5%). Travel is at the top of the list for those with a
bucket list, over half (53.3%) acknowledge they are likely to be taking a big holiday within New Zealand this year. In
fact, two-fifths (43.7%) say the life of a grey nomad appeals to them. Two in 10 (23.4%) agree it provides a sense of
freedom and state simply - that they like travelling (22.4%).
Despite all that has happened in the world over the course of the past year, seniors still feel largely positive. They
feel optimistic about their families (90.8%), their local communities (88.1%) and New Zealand’s future (83.0%). In
contrast, three-fifths (62.2%) are pessimistic about the future of the world.
Dr. Ngaire Kerse, the Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well, University of Auckland comments on over 50s shifts in mindset and ways of reprioritisation and adapting as a result of the aftermath of COVID-19 on New
Zealand’s shores: “This past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone and there is no doubt that we have all had
a shift in mindset. However, the new priorities of seniors may be different to the rest of New Zealand.
“Given the nature of the pandemic and its effects on the age group, it’s understandable that the Kiwi Seniors are rating
their health as their top priority.”
“But it’s no surprise human relationships were also high on the list of importance for Kiwis over 50. Given we were all
kept apart from our loved ones over various lockdowns, half of seniors are now prioritising connecting with their family
and friends.
“In tough times, it is common for community bonds to strengthen, particularly in later life. It’s refreshing to see that
this age group felt overwhelmingly positive about their relationships following the year we had,” added Dr. Kerse.
Further insights from the research can be found on the New Zealand Seniors website here.