Eldernet

A recent article in The Press gave us a good laugh in the office! 😄

It shares some funny observations about life in a retirement village and the social circles and pecking order that can develop. 🍑

Do you have any funny tales to tell from Village life?

While it's easy to laugh at the retirement village "hierarchy", perhaps it's just a reflection of human nature. From school to workplaces and beyond, every community has its groups and rhythms. The challenge is finding your place—and the reward is becoming part of it. 😊

Some things never really change, no matter our age.

Link to the full artcile in the comments 👇

A Mexican Fiesta instead of a traditional mid winter Christmas lunch. A dawn Matariki celebration. New traditions, new perspectives, and a reminder that it's never too late to embrace change.

Janet Brown's latest article on the Eldernet Substack reflects on diversity, belonging, and the importance of creating retirement communities where everyone feels welcome.

An insightful read for anyone thinking about the future of ageing in Aotearoa.

Read more: https://eldernet.substack.com/p/expert-perspectives-embracing-diversity

Images are from our recent Eldernet office Matariki celebration where we reflected on connection, remembrance, and looking ahead.

📣 Growing older isn't a failure. It's a privilege.

Yet we're increasingly surrounded by messages that suggest the opposite.

A recent lengthy article on anti-ageing culture sparked some reflection for us, particularly this line: "Ageing well or poorly now seemed like a personal choice, rather than a natural outcome."

We hear a lot about how to stay younger for longer — from skincare and supplements to fitness routines and the latest longevity trends. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy and active as we age. But increasingly it feels as though ageing itself is being positioned as something we should resist, manage or somehow get "right".

The idea that our ability to age well is entirely within our control can create a heavy burden. It can also reinforce the message that visible signs of ageing are something to fix, rather than a natural part of life.

Perhaps this is where ageism has become most pervasive. Not always through overt discrimination, but through the not-so-subtle message that youth is the ideal and that our value diminishes as we grow older.

The challenge isn't to stop ageing—it's to build workplaces, communities and cultures where people are valued at every stage of life.

We'd love to hear others' thoughts on this.



https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/jul/14/anti-ageing-science-longevity-culture

What makes a group feel welcoming?

Joining a new social group, kaumātua group or day programme can feel like a big step.

Often, it is the small things that help — a warm welcome, a familiar face, shared kai, clear information, transport, or simply feeling comfortable and included.

We’d love to hear from you: what kinds of groups do you or your loved one enjoy most?

Your ideas may help someone else feel more confident to try something new, or discover a group they had not thought of before.

Staying connected can make a real difference.

For older people, having something to look forward to, people to talk with, and a reason to get out can support wellbeing, confidence and a sense of belonging.

That is where Social Groups, Kaumātua groups and Day Programmes can help.

SOCIAL GROUPS bring people together through shared activities, outings, interests and friendship.

KAUMĀTUA GROUPS can offer culturally grounded connection through kōrero, kai, support, activities and whanaungatanga.

DAY PROGRAMMES are usually more structured and may include activities, meals, transport, daytime support, and a regular break for carers or whānau.

Each one is a little different, and the right fit will depend on the person, their interests, their needs, and what feels welcoming.

“Live the age you feel.”

This line from our latest article stayed with us.

It is a thoughtful reminder that ageing is not only about the years behind us, but also about the future we still imagine for ourselves.

Hope can be found in small, ordinary things — a new library book, breakfast at a favourite café, a game of Scrabble, or a trip to the beach.

Because looking forward matters at every age.

Read the full article here:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-202069450

When we talk about later-life living, retirement villages often get a lot of attention — but they are only one part of the picture.

Only around 14% of people aged 75+ live in a retirement village. That means the majority are living somewhere else: at home, with family, with support, or in other settings.

Our latest substack article looks at the different options available, and why finding the “right” place looks different for everyone.

Read the article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-200564895

We’d also love to hear from you. If you’re over 65, where do you currently live?

1. At home, alone or with a partner
2. At home with family
3. At home with care or support
4. In a retirement village
5. In residential care