Issuu

CENTRAL AND WEST AUCKLAND EDITION: 5 | 2026

Age against the machine

Your guide to reverse mortgages

What to know before you borrow against your house

e c n o k c a p Un Auckland’s push to start more cruises

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READING

Why when you eat matters as much as what

Our hidden workplace age problem

The changing city

New stations, new routes, new charge?

A Legacy of Love That Will Help Save Lives After losing her mother to cancer, Tanya Schipper hopes her bequest will help drive the research that saves lives, while ensuring support continues to be there for families when help is needed. For Tanya, her mother Joy’s strength was something she absorbed long before cancer entered their lives. Joy was warm, witty, and fiercely devoted to her three daughters — a resilient woman who was widowed young. “Mum never remarried as Dad was the love of her life,” Tanya says. When unusual ulcers appeared inside Joy’s mouth, everything changed. The fear was immediate.

“Mum didn’t say much at first, but I could see how frightened she was.” The diagnosis confirmed what they all suspected — cancer. As the disease progressed, Tanya and her sisters cared for their mum at home. Balancing caregiving with her own family life became overwhelming. She realised she needed support — not just for the practical challenges, but for the emotional weight she was carrying.

Reaching out to the Cancer Society changed everything. “I talked to one of their psychologists because I was really struggling,” she says. “She helped me make sense of what I was feeling and how to cope. It made such a difference.” That support was free. Thanks to generous New

Zealanders, the Cancer Society provides counselling, support groups, and practical help at no cost to people facing cancer. For families like Tanya’s, it offers a lifeline at the hardest moments. Joy passed away on Mother’s Day 2012. In the years since, Tanya has found her own way to give back. She volunteers with the Cancer Society, and she has chosen to leave a Gift in her Will - a gesture anchored in gratitude, hope, and her belief in the power of research.

“I’m passionate about the research. I want to help find a cure. Leaving a gift feels like a way to honour Mum and help other families.” Legacy giving isn’t about size - it’s about meaning. Your gift can help fund lifesaving cancer research and ensure support services are there for New Zealanders when help is needed most. Even a modest gift to Cancer Society Auckland Northland strengthens care across our region and carries hope forward for more Kiwis to live a cancer free future. Cancer Society Auckland Northland partners with Footprint, so you can write or update your Will for free. Protect what matters most and consider a legacy that supports people facing cancer. By choosing to leave a gift, you’re extending hope, comfort, and strength to future generations.

What if you could change the future of cancer treatment and care for all New Zealanders?

You can…

A gift in your Will can provide free support for the 1 in 3 New Zealanders affected by cancer and drive vital cancer research to protect future generations. Find out more about the impact you can make and how you can write your Will for free today at www.cancer.org.nz/legacy or text LEGACY to 3768

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Contents

Age against the machine

Your guide to reverse mortgages

What to know before you borrow against your house

Unpack once Auckland’s push to start more cruises

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HANDS-FREE

READING

Our hidden workplace age problem

The changing city

New stations, new routes, new charge?

Why when you eat matters as much as what

REF#P26U1 CENTRAL AND WEST AUCKLAND EDITION: 5 | 2026

CENTRAL AND WEST AUCKLAND EDITION: 5 | 2026

You only unpack once. That's the appeal of a cruise, and the awkward part has always been flying to Sydney to board one. Auckland's new ten-year plan wants more voyages to start and finish here, with better wayfinding and accessibility at the terminal too. The city is changing under us as well as around us. The City Rail Link has redrawn the rail map, a peak charge is out for consultation, and scientists have mapped dozens of unrecorded faultlines beneath us. Elsewhere, a guide to reverse mortgages, why more than a third of the workforce is over 50 and still overlooked, which smart home gear earns its place, and what your body clock makes of a late dinner. Enjoy, the team at

Inside

LIVING WELL AND AGEING GRACEFULLY IN A MODERN SOCIETY

Auckland’s cruise plan

Our hidden workplace age problem

Smart home, smart choice?

FREE distribution maximises readership Publisher: The Job Agency Ltd 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Managing Director: Gary Collins GM of Operations: Kylie Palermo Sales Manager: Angela Elley (03) 961 5184 | sales@markat.co.nz Art Director: Jarred Shakespeare (03) 961 5088 | jarred@markat.co.nz Design: Jessica Ann ProductCoordinatorManager: Amber Mundy (03) 961 5075 | amber@markat.co.nz Accounts: (03) 961 5050 | accounts@markat.co.nz

6 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

this issue Good Reads

Guide to reverse mortgages

Mind Games

The changing city

Heart healthy recipes

When you eat

Welcome to Plusliving – the magazine dedicated to living well and ageing gracefully in modern society. Aimed at the 50+ age group, you’ll find articles covering all aspects of contemporary life, including physical health and wellbeing, mental health and acuity, home life, working life and finances, technology, travel, self-improvement and more. Our aim is to provide information anyone can use, on any given day, so you can get more out of life.

Does your company have any information or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Plusliving+? Please contact us to discuss getting your business in print Disclaimer This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency T|A Markat is not responsible for the results of any actions taken based on information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles, and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. The Job Agency T|A Markat expressly disclaims all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. This publication may include content created, edited, or assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content, and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2020 by The Job Agency T|A Markat. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission. You can read the full list of terms and conditions on: www.markat.co.nz/terms-conditions | www.markat.co.nz/competition-terms

Lifestyles

Lifestyles Bromley Electric Fireplace, Burgundy Proof that warmth doesn’t need a chimney, the Bromley brings a rich burgundy finish and a tempered glass front to its compact, coastal-country silhouette. Simply plug in for instant ambience, no installation required, in the living room or bedroom alike. RRP $259 NZD www.earlysettler.co.nz

Ancora Tea For One, Burgundy Deep colour and a high-gloss glaze make the Ancora Tea For One a quiet showstopper on any tray. Crafted in fine bone china and shaped after vintage high tea sets, this neat stacking teapot, infuser, cup and saucer turns a solo brew into a small, deliberate ritual. RRP $95 NZD www.t2tea.com

Asker Chenille Lounge Chair Refined and relaxed in equal measure, the Asker Chenille Lounge Chair pairs a soft, textured upholstery with a high backrest and curved silhouette. Plush cushioning and neutral cream tones make it an easy fit for a reading nook, bedroom corner or living room. RRP $185 NZD www.kmart.co.nz

Burgundy Flower Print Moody and rich in tone, this burgundy floral print adds instant depth to a gallery wall or a quiet hallway. Printed on quality paper through Look NZ’s curated collection of New Zealand and international artists, it pairs beautifully with deep timber frames and warm metallics. RRP $139 NZD www.looknz.art

DISCLAIMER: Please note prices listed here are recommended retail pricing. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. The information on this page is for information purposes only. The Job Agency T|A Markat assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Furique Faux Fur Floor Rug, Crimson Bloom Plush underfoot and effortlessly cosy, the Furique rug brings a touch of indulgence to bedsides, lounges and reading corners alike. Its shaggy faux fur pile is reversible, non-slip and pet-friendly, with a blend of microfibre and acrylic that’s as easy to care for as it is to sink into. RRP $168 NZD www.casaandbeyond.co.nz

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 7

Travel

How to embark on a stress-free holiday Travelling is a rewarding life experience that helps us to slow down and appreciate every moment.

8 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Travel

Embarking on a new journey also comes with navigating unfamiliar places and situations. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a stress-free holiday and make memories to cherish for many years to come.

Things to consider when planning your journey Share your ideas with friends and family: Talking to friends and family when you’re at the planning stage of a holiday can be a fun way to connect and may inspire you to broaden your horizons. As long as you keep in mind that any advice is just that. Talking about a holiday can sometimes tell us just as much about what we don’t want to do as it does about the things we do want to experience.

Consult with your doctor: If you have any health concerns prior to booking a flight, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor, especially if your journey involves long flights or strenuous activities. Your doctor can provide personalised advice, recommend vaccines if needed and make sure your prescriptions have been filled to cover the duration of your holiday.

Flying with reduced mobility: When travelling domestically both Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer wheelchairs and mobility aids for people who require assistance. This assistance is offered as an option when booking flights online and you can also ask for assistance if you prefer to make bookings over the phone. If booking through a travel agent let them know if you require any assistance and they will make sure this is provided for you. Take advantage of senior discounts: Start by researching airlines, hotels, and car rental companies that offer special rates for seniors. Many museums, attractions and restaurants also provide senior discounts, so it’s beneficial to ask at each venue or check online in advance.

Select a hotel that meets your needs: If mobility is a concern, it’s important to choose a hotel with amenities like elevators, ground-floor rooms and other accessible facilities. Look for properties that offer complementary services such as airport shuttles, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Consider hotels that are close to major attractions, medical facilities, or public transport. Be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you’ve booked your flights to ensure you get the best possible range of options and prices on offer.

Purchase travel insurance: As we age, the likelihood of encountering health issues or needing medical attention while on a trip increases. Travel insurance can cover a range of scenarios, including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage and more. It provides financial protection and access to emergency services, which can be helpful, particularly if you’re in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, many insurance plans offer

assistance services that can help with locating nearby medical facilities or arranging medical evacuations if necessary.

Why book your holiday with a travel agent? While some people enjoy the process of planning a holiday, others are daunted by the range of options and things to consider. When you plan your trip with a travel agent, you’re putting your travel plans in the hands of an expert with a broad range of experience and knowledge about how to get the best out of your destination. Not only can they find the best deals on flights and accommodation, they also know which destinations are best suited to your needs and where you might require a travel Visa or vaccination. A travel agent can save you time and money, while offering you peace of mind that everything you need has been arranged. They can even book your travel insurance for you.

Things to consider when embarking on your holiday Keep your medications easily accessible: It’s important to pack all necessary prescriptions, including extra doses, in carry-on luggage to avoid any disruption if checked baggage is lost or delayed. Medications should also be kept in their original containers with clear labels to prevent confusion and ensure compliance with airline security regulations. Additionally, carry a list of your medications, their dosages and a copy of your prescriptions, which can be used in case of an emergency or if refills are needed.

Get to the airport early: When travelling, try to get to the airport early to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. With domestic flights, arriving one and a half hours before your departure time ensures a smooth check-in process and you might even have time for your favourite hot beverage at the airport before you go. For international flights arriving three hours before your departure time allows for a more relaxed check-in process, as lines can be long and navigating through security can take longer than expected. Getting to the airport early provides additional time to address any unforeseen issues, such as locating misplaced documents or asking for assistance, especially if you have mobility challenges.

How to prevent swelling legs during long flights: Long periods of sitting on a plane can lead to stiffness, muscle cramps and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins, typically in the legs. To prevent these issues, you should aim to stand up and stretch every hour. Regular movement also helps keep joints flexible and muscles relaxed, which contributes to a more enjoyable and healthy travel experience. You can also buy compression socks to wear on the flight to prevent swelling in the legs. It’s important to stay hydrated with plenty of water on long-haul flights especially if you’re enjoying an inflight glass of wine or two as dehydration can cause your legs and ankles to swell.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 9

Travel

What Auckland's ten-year cruise plan

means for travellers

What a bigger push for turnaround sailings could mean for anyone who would rather not fly to Australia to board a ship

Part of the appeal of a cruise is that you only unpack once. The ship moves, you don't, and the ports arrive while you sleep. The awkward part has always been getting aboard, because some South Pacific itineraries begin in Sydney or Brisbane. That turns a relaxed holiday into a flight, a transfer and a night in a hotel before anything relaxing has happened. Auckland wants a bigger share of that turnaround business. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency, has released the Auckland Cruise Plan 2026-2036 alongside Port of Auckland and industry partners. It runs ten years and its central ambition is turnaround business, the industry term for voyages that start and finish in a port rather than stopping by for a day.

G LDENYEARS Expert advice on: health, lifestyle, travel, and retirement planning.

Our ambition is for Auckland to be Oceania's most compelling urban waterfront cruise hub and preferred turnaround destination. Auckland handled roughly 15% of the country's cruise passenger movements in the 2023/24 season, yet passengers and crew spent about $201 million in the region, which was 39% of all cruise passenger spending nationally. That activity generated around $244.6 million in regional GDP and supported about 3,780 jobs. Turnaround passengers generally spend more in the region than transit passengers, making the business particularly valuable to the local economy. "Our ambition is for Auckland to be Oceania's most compelling urban waterfront cruise hub and preferred turnaround destination, a place where visitors choose to begin or end their cruise because of the quality of the experience both on and off the ship," says Annie Dundas, director of destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, in the announcement that launched the plan. Some of that work is concrete. Port of Auckland is building the Bledisloe North berth and terminal programme, and chief executive Roger Gray said the port has also found what he called innovative solutions to biofouling, the hull-cleaning issue that has caused ships to skip New Zealand ports in recent seasons. An Exchange Excellence Programme is meant to smooth the run between the airport and the wharf, a critical part of the turnaround when passengers are moving luggage and working to a tight boarding window. Two other commitments matter to older travellers in particular. The plan names accessibility and wayfinding at existing cruise facilities as a priority, and it commits to working with mana whenua on Māori-led visitor experiences. Better signage and easier movement through a terminal sound minor on paper. Anyone who has queued with a walking stick and a suitcase knows they are not.

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www.goldenyearsmag.co.nz 10 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Mayor Wayne Brown described the approach as "getting the basics right", by which he meant good infrastructure, good coordination and a great experience for visitors. Whether it works depends on decisions made in cruise-line offices years ahead of any sailing, and Auckland controls only part of that picture. What the plan does signal is a deliberate push for longer stays, more winter sailings and more voyages that begin or end in Auckland. For anyone who has flown to Australia to board a ship, that is a change worth watching.

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Good Reads

Good reads

Author Paulette Rae shares some of her favourite reads. All books available on www.amazon.com The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes

Three women's lives collide in the cutthroat world of publishing. There is a ferocious literary agent, the bestselling author who stole her best friend's boyfriend, and the jilted friend whose furious emails land on the agent's desk.

Kathryn with a K by Paulette Rae

Set against the backdrop of a family wedding in Blenheim, this domestic drama follows Kathryn as she returns to the fold five years after fleeing a failed marriage, forcing old wounds and family tension back to the surface.

Shattered by Jennie Marsland

In Halifax in 1917, Liam Cochrane returns from the trenches physically and emotionally broken, and finds a tentative path forward through his bond with Alice O'Neill. Then the Halifax Explosion shatters the city.

The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

The first in the Collector trilogy, this disquieting psychological thriller is told through the FBI interrogation of Maya, a survivor kidnapped and tattooed to resemble a butterfly by a captor who called himself the Gardener.

Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

The first in the Wilderness series, this sweeping historical romance follows Elizabeth Middleton, who leaves England in 1792 for the New York frontier and falls for Nathaniel Bonner, a man raised among the Mohawk.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

In Leningrad in June 1941, seventeen-year-old Tatiana Metanova falls for a young Red Army officer just as Hitler's invasion tears her world apart, and his ties to her own sister complicate everything.

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Life & Style

Does everything need to be optimised? Why the internet's habit of maximising every part of life may cost more than it returns By Ben O’Connell

Scroll through basically any corner of social media and you'll find a version of the same idea dressed up in a dozen different outfits. Looksmaxxing. Fibremaxxing. Sleepmaxxing. The -maxxing suffix has spread so far that almost any habit, food group or personality trait now comes with its own maxxed out version, promising a better, faster, more optimised you if you just push a little harder.

14 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

The term traces back to gaming culture and the practice of min-maxing, where players strategically boost, so maximise, the attributes that matter most while trimming away, minimising, anything considered a waste of a stat point. It makes sense in games where every choice is measurable and every improvement moves a number in the right direction. Somewhere along the way that logic jumped from consoles and character sheets into diet plans, skincare routines and daily schedules, and a growing number of researchers now think that shift might be doing us more harm than good. The theory behind maxxing culture sounds reasonable enough. If a behaviour is good for you, doing more of it should be better. Eating fibre is healthy, so a diet built entirely around maximising fibre intake should

Life & Style

be even healthier. Exercise improves fitness, so training as hard and as often as possible should build the best possible body. Socialising well helps relationships, so refining your personality into the most charming, magnetic version possible should make life easier. The trouble is that health, appearance and connection don't actually work like stats in a game. They're messy, personal and deeply tied to context, and treating them as numbers to be pushed toward a maximum tends to backfire. Jennifer Donnelly, a doctoral researcher at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, wrote in The Conversation that a constant focus on maximising ourselves can slowly but surely tip into a constant focus on what is wrong with us. Instead of noticing progress, people fixated on optimisation often notice gaps. The pursuit of a perfect diet can slide into orthorexia, an unhealthy preoccupation with eating only what's considered correct. The pursuit of a perfect physique has been linked to muscle dysmorphia, where no amount of visible progress ever feels like enough. Neither of these outcomes looks anything like the confident, high performing life that maxxing content promises. Social media plays an outsized role here. Algorithms tend to reward content that's dramatic, extreme and easy to summarise in a single word, which is exactly what a maxxing label offers. A short video about eating more fibre gradually as part of a balanced diet doesn't travel nearly as far as one urging viewers to fibremaxx immediately and completely. The format itself nudges creators and viewers alike toward all or nothing thinking, even when the underlying advice started out fairly sensible. None of this means that self-improvement is a bad idea or that people should give up on health and fitness goals. Wanting to eat better, move more or build stronger relationships is not the problem. The issue lies in the mindset attached to the goal. Awareness of healthy behaviour is genuinely useful. Treating that behaviour as something to be relentlessly maximised, at the expense of everything else, is where things tend to go wrong. If one goal, whether it is a diet, a workout routine or a self-improvement plan, starts to crowd out sleep, friendships or basic enjoyment of daily life, that's usually a sign the balance has tipped too far. Let's also consider the sheer mental effort involved in constantly evaluating whether you're doing enough. Optimisation culture asks people to treat rest as inefficiency and contentment as complacency. Even small pleasures, like an unstructured

Social media plays an outsized role here. Algorithms tend to reward content that's dramatic, extreme and easy to summarise in a single word, which is exactly what a maxxing label offers. A short video about eating more fibre gradually as part of a balanced diet doesn't travel nearly as far as one urging viewers to fibremaxx immediately and completely.

evening or a meal chosen simply because it tastes good, can start to feel like missed opportunities to improve. That kind of low-grade vigilance is exhausting, and it rarely shows up on the wellness scoreboard that maxxing culture encourages people to keep. Jennifer suggests a gentler alternative sitting underneath all the buzzwords, one she half-jokingly calls moderation maxxing. Improvement is still welcome, but it does not need to dominate every waking decision. A person can care about their health without treating every meal as a test, and can want to grow without treating every day as a missed target. Accepting where you are right now does not mean giving up on where you would like to be. It simply means the growth stops being the entire point of existing. It's worth remembering that maxxing isn't a genuinely new idea, just a catchy new label for an old one. People have always looked for shortcuts to better health, sharper minds and more attractive appearances, and every generation has had its own version of the extreme diet or the miracle routine. What's changed is the speed and volume at which these ideas now spread, and the pressure to apply them to every part of life at once rather than picking one area to focus on. Building a character with the highest possible stats only matters if you're still enjoying the game while you play it. The same logic applies away from the screen. Chasing an optimised version of yourself across every category at once, from diet to sleep to personality, leaves very little room to actually live the life all that optimising is supposed to improve. A slower, less absolute approach, one that allows for off days, imperfect meals and unstructured time, may end up doing more for long term wellbeing than any maxxed out routine ever could.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 15

Life & Style

Getting around a changing Auckland Auckland's transport decisions land differently depending on where you are in life. If you still drive to work, the change you will meet first is a charge. If you are thinking about where you want to be living at 75, the change that matters is a plan. The City Rail Link redraws the rail network around two new central stations, Te Waihorotiu beneath Albert Street and Karanga-a-Hape off Beresford Square and Mercury Lane, which at 33 metres down is the deepest station in the country. Journeys that once ended in a transfer at Britomart now run through the city centre and out the other side, and several line names have changed. Check the new route map before travelling. Time of use charging has been proposed for Auckland. The scenarios put out for public feedback charge peak trips only, capped at two charged trips a day, with charges ranging from about $2 in the afternoon under the city-centre-only option to about $7 in the morning under the motorway option. The scheme still has consultation and a final decision ahead of it. Auckland Council has been clear that the rate, the charged hours and the zone boundary could still change. Nothing is being collected now, and on the published timeline nothing would be until around 2030. Anyone travelling outside the morning and evening peaks sits outside the charge as the proposals stand.

16 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Transport planning for the region now sits with Auckland Council rather than Auckland Transport, and a new Auckland Regional Transport Committee of council members, government appointees and an independent chair is writing a 30-year plan. That plan decides which suburbs get rapid transit, which in turn decides which parts of Auckland can be lived in comfortably without a car. For anyone in the south and east intending to stay put, from Papakura and Manurewa through to Howick and Botany, that is the document to watch. Those are the areas where the rapid transit question is still open. The Committee for Auckland's State of the City research placed Auckland in the bottom 10% of comparable cities for residential density, street connectivity and access to mixed-use areas. The walk to the stop is often longer here than in cities of similar size, and that gap is felt most by people who have stopped driving. Two existing schemes are worth knowing about early. In Auckland the SuperGold concession gives free travel on most buses, trains and ferries from 9am on weekdays through to end of service, and all day at weekends and public holidays, once loaded onto a registered AT HOP card. Adult fares apply before 9am. Total Mobility is not age-based at all. It supports people whose disability, permanent or temporary, prevents them using buses and trains. The consultations that will shape Auckland's transport for the next 30 years are open to anyone who turns up to them, and the people with most at stake are the ones who will still be here to use it.

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Life & Style

Our hidden workplace

age problem By Ben O’Connell

New Zealand's workforce is getting older, but our workplaces are still too fixated on youth. People over 50 now make up more than a third of the New Zealand workforce. By international standards, our rate of labour force participation among people over 65 is high. Infometrics puts it at around 26% in 2024, up from under 6% in the mid 1990s. In the UK about 13% of people aged 65 and over were in work in the three months to June 2026, and in Australia 16% were in June 2025. The trend is set to continue. The 2023 Census found 44% of people aged 65 to 69 were employed, up from 42.2% in 2013 and 2018, and 24.7% of those aged 70 to 74, up from 21.9% a decade earlier. Stats NZ projects the share of New Zealanders aged 65 and over will grow from 17% in 2024 to between 21% and 24% by 2051. "The proportion of older people in employment has been steadily increasing over time," Stats NZ's Dr Rosemary Goodyear said when the 2023 Census employment figures were released in June 2025. Rosemary said several factors may be contributing, such as better health, longer life expectancy, and financial pressures surrounding retirement.

Age no problem, but ageism is As more Kiwis work past the retirement age, ageism has become one of the most persistent yet least acknowledged forms of workplace discrimination. Hiring biases, underemployment, and problematic workplace cultures still undermine older workers. The Office for Seniors defines ageism as the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) based on age. Combatting it is a core pillar of its response to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Life & Style

As more Kiwis work past the retirement age, ageism has become one of the most persistent yet least acknowledged forms of workplace discrimination. Hiring biases, underemployment, and problematic workplace cultures still undermine older workers. In practice, that shows up in hiring managers assuming older candidates are, for example, too expensive, slow or not techsavvy, and quietly moving their CVs to the no pile. Age-related information, such as long work histories or graduation dates, can trigger subconscious assumptions. With hundreds of CVs to sift through, hiring managers might fall back on stereotypes.

the workplace. You don't stop being a learner. You don't stop being curious just because you get older."

In the UK, the Centre for Ageing Better said in 2021 that over-50s who lose their jobs are twice as likely as younger workers to fall into long-term unemployment. A 2019 Anglia Ruskin University study in England found applications from 28-year-old white men were three times more likely to get an interview than those from 50-year-old black women, even though the older applicants listed 31 years' relevant experience to the younger applicant's nine.

NZIER's Business of Ageing research for the Office for Seniors, updated in April 2026, values paid work by people aged 65 and over at nearly $9 billion a year, and unpaid work such as caregiving and volunteering at about $20 billion.

New Zealand research feeding into the Older Workers Employment Action Plan similarly identifies age discrimination, often combined with gender, ethnicity or disability, as a key reason older people struggle to find and keep work. Ageism can fly under the radar in many forms. Two examples are mandatory retirement ages in some roles, and a KiwiSaver rule that lets employers stop their compulsory contributions once a worker is eligible for NZ Super.

"You don't stop being curious" Behind the statistics are older workers who still want to contribute but struggle to find opportunities. Eldernet director Esther Perriam says underemployment has become increasingly common, with many older people able to secure part-time work but finding full-time roles much harder to come by. Many older workers are also balancing paid employment with caring responsibilities. Esther says more older people are moving into part-time work to help younger family members stay in full-time employment, as many households now rely on multiple income streams. "Often, a grandparent is required to assist with the kids before and after school." She rejects the stereotype that older workers can't keep up. "Older people in our workforce are the best touch typers in the place. They're not three-fingered pickers. These people can type at 100 words a minute. There are lots of skills that older people bring to

Esther sees age as an extra filter piled on top of everything else. "The age thing becomes another filter that people apply," she says.

"I would strongly encourage people to look at older people as workers. They will know to de-escalate situations very quickly because they've been doing it for ages," Esther says. "They'll be drawing on a far wider range of skills and experiences than younger staff members. They're a real asset to any workplace."

What inclusive workplaces could look like The Office for Seniors' Older Workers Employment Action Plan sets out actions to support older workers to stay in sustainable, meaningful employment and to push employers towards more inclusive practices. That can look like rethinking recruitment so job ads and CV screens focus on skills rather than age, and giving managers the tools to recognise their own biases. It can mean flexible work that recognises caregiving and grandparenting, and training so older workers aren't written off as 'too close to retirement' to develop. It also means building mixed-age teams, and revisiting retirement and savings settings that quietly penalise people who want to keep working. As our workforce continues to age, the question is whether workplaces are ready to recognise the value older people already bring, and to see age as experience to build on.

The Eldernet Group describes itself as New Zealand's most trusted provider of information for older people and their support networks. Visit www.eldernet.co.nz for more.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 19

Supporting Maori living with HIV in New Zealand

Aotearoa

Our mission is to whakamana Maori living with and affected by HIV by promoting matauranga, enhancing awareness, and reducing stigma through a kaupapa Maori approach. We are committed to fostering whānau ora and holistic well-being, ensuring that all whānau are supported in a way that upholds mana, strengthens connections, and embraces te ao Māori. While our focus is on Māori and Indigenous communities, our doors are always open to anyone seeking support. We offer support, advocacy, and a safe space for anyone affected by HIV, including whānau.

HIV was first detected in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1984. Since records began, there have been 345 reported cases of Māori people diagnosed with HIV (AIDS Epidemiology Group, 2024). Learn more about what HIV is, how it is managed and how it can be passed on here. Toitū Te Ao was founded in 2020 in response to the absence of a dedicated organisation within the sector that upholds a kaupapa Māori lens, ensuring Māori and their whānau living with HIV are supported through a Māori worldview. The holistic well-being of our people — wairua, tinana, hinengaro, and whatumanawa — is not being fully supported in today’s society. We continue to face inequities and microaggressions driven by stigma, while our voices as Māori and other Indigenous peoples are too often unheard in the spaces that shape our lives.

Empowering and supporting Māori living with HIV in Aotearoa 0210 870 1747 www.toituteao.org 20 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Your Home

Guide to reverse mortgages For many retired New Zealanders, the family home is their biggest asset. When unexpected costs arise such as home repairs, medical expenses, travel, or helping family, it can be tempting to look at ways to unlock the value in your home without selling it. Here are the things to consider when looking into a reversed mortgage, based on information from the Money Hub Reverse Mortgages - Definitive New Zealand Guide. For eligible homeowners aged 60 plus, a reverse mortgage, also known as a home equity release loan can provide cash without requiring regular repayments, but it also comes with risks and long-term costs that need careful thought.

What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow money using your home as security, without making repayments while you continue living there. Instead of paying the loan back each month, the interest is added to the balance and the total amount is repaid when you sell your home, move permanently into care, or pass away. Reverse mortgages are usually only available to people aged 60 or older who own their home outright, or who have very little left on their existing mortgage. The amount you can borrow depends on your age and the value of your home. In most cases, lenders will allow you to borrow between 15 and 40 percent of your home’s value, with older borrowers able to access a higher percentage. For example, a 75-year-old homeowner may be able to borrow around 30 percent of the home’s value, while someone aged 85 could borrow closer to 40 percent. The money can be taken as a lump sum, smaller withdrawals over time, or regular payments. Many retirees use reverse mortgages to pay for renovations, buy a car, travel, or consolidate debts.

Why reverse mortgages can look attractive One reason reverse mortgages appeal to retirees is that they offer access to cash without forcing you to sell your home. You can stay where you are, continue receiving NZ Super, and use the money however you wish.

22 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Another feature is that repayments are usually not required during your lifetime, as long as you keep living in the home and meet the loan conditions. Some lenders also offer a no negative equity guarantee, meaning you or your estate will never owe more than the home is worth when it is sold. If house prices rise over time, the increase in value can help offset some of the interest charged on the loan, although this is never guaranteed. For people who want to remain in their home but need extra funds, a reverse mortgage can seem like a simple solution. However, it is important to understand the long-term costs before going ahead.

The biggest risk: compounding interest Reverse mortgages usually have higher interest rates than standard home loans, often around 9 to 10 percent per year and the interest compounds. This means you pay interest on the interest that has already been added to the loan. Because no repayments are made, the balance can grow very quickly over time. For example, borrowing $100,000 at age 65 could grow to more than $400,000 by age 80 and much more if the loan continues for longer. If the loan runs for 20 or 25 years, the amount owed can become very large, significantly reducing the value of your home when it is eventually sold. This is why financial advisers often suggest only borrowing what you really need, rather than taking the maximum available.

How a reverse mortgage can affect your future choices A reverse mortgage does not usually cause problems if you stay in your home for the rest of your life, but circumstances can change. If you later decide to move to a retirement village, downsize, or enter residential care, the loan must usually be repaid when the house is sold. Because the debt may have grown over many years, you could end up with less money than expected. In some cases, the remaining equity may not be enough to cover the cost of a retirement unit or long-term care. This is one of the biggest risks to consider before taking out a reverse mortgage.

Your Home

What retirees need to know before borrowing against their home It will also impact the inheritance you leave behind, as the lender has the first claim on the proceeds when the home is sold.

Fees and conditions to be aware of Reverse mortgages can include several fees, such as valuation fees, arrangement fees, drawdown fees and discharge fees when the loan ends. These are usually added to the loan balance. There are also conditions you must follow. You will need to keep the house insured, pay council rates, and maintain the property. In most cases, you must continue living in the home and cannot rent it out completely.

your home’s future value rather than a loan, although these also need careful consideration and independent advice.

Take time and get advice Reverse mortgages are widely used in New Zealand and can work well for some people, but they are complex financial products. Before going ahead, it is wise to talk to a financial adviser, a lawyer and your family. Make sure you understand the interest costs, the fees and how the loan could affect your future housing choices.

Interest rates are usually floating, meaning they can increase in the future, which may cause the loan balance to grow even faster.

Before signing any agreement, it is important to check that the contract includes: • Lifetime occupancy rights • No required repayments while you live in the home • A no negative equity guarantee • Both partners named on the loan if you are a couple

Alternatives worth considering A reverse mortgage is not the only way to access money in retirement. Depending on your situation, other options may be safer or more suitable. Some retirees choose to downsize to a smaller home and use the extra money to support their lifestyle. Others rent out part of their home, subdivide land, or move to a retirement village where maintenance costs are lower. There are also equity-release products that provide income in exchange for a share of

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 23

M J O N E S B U I L D I N G · WA I H E K E I S L A N D

Your home is your third skin.

By Matt Jones Your skin is the layer you are born with. Your clothing is the layer you choose each morning. Your home is the third – chosen once, and then lived in for decades.

or many people building or renovating on Waiheke, this is the home they will grow older in. That makes the choices behind the walls as important as everything you can see – and it makes what a house is built from a health decision, not a finish selection.

INSIDE THE WALL , WAIHEKE ISLAND

A hempcrete wall part-way through the build, the timber framing still visible in the mix. An oxide has been added so the wall can be left as a finished feature rather than covered over.

Your health begins behind the walls. A home should do more than keep the weather out. It should protect the people inside it while managing heat, moisture and fresh air.

87%

That is why I favour natural, low-emission materials wherever practical. Paints, adhesives and composite products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air.[2]

of our lives are spent indoors, according to the National Human Activity Pattern Survey.[1]

The hidden details matter too. Sealing ceiling junctions and gaps around wiring and plumbing reduces draughts and dust, while good ventilation removes moisture safely.[3]

WHAT WE BUILD WITH

Hemp hurd and lime

SOURCES

Sheep’s wool insulation

[1] Klepeis et al., NHAPS, J. Exposure Analysis & Env. Epidemiology, 2001

Native and reclaimed timber

[2] US EPA, VOCs’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Sustainable highperformance materials

[3] BRANZ, Dealing with Internal Moisture

Why I stopped building the usual way. During my apprenticeship I worked with strong glues, timber treatments and other products used across the industry, and I kept wondering what they might do to the people who would live with them every day. That question led me to a different way of building. Many of the best solutions turned out not to be new at all, but natural materials and time-tested methods that have served homes for generations.

Matt Jones on site, Waiheke Island.

The island’s moisture, salt air and humidity demand materials suited to its environment.

Natural does not mean a compromise. There is a common assumption that building naturally means accepting lower performance. In my experience, the opposite is often true. Hempcrete – hemp hurd, lime and water – works alongside a timber frame to provide insulation, thermal mass and moisture regulation. These materials are hygroscopic: they absorb and release water vapour as conditions change.[4] That suits Waiheke’s humid coastal air, and sheep’s wool insulation offers similar benefits – research suggests it can absorb certain VOCs from indoor air.[5]

The house doesn’t smell of anything. No paint, no glue, no damp. In winter it holds its warmth, and the windows stay clear. — MJones Building homeowner

Better insulation, moisture management and durability come back to the owner as lower running costs and fewer repairs.

THE AUTHOR

Matt Jones is a builder on Waiheke Island and the founder of MJones Building. He trained conventionally and now works with hempcrete, sheep’s wool and native and reclaimed timber.

On site at a Waiheke build. Getting the framing, ply and building wrap right at this stage is what allows a breathable wall to do its job later.

[4] Collet & Pretot, Construction & Building Materials, 2014

[5] Curling et al., Bangor University

SCAN HERE to book a free one-hour consultation with Matt. mjonesbuilding.co.nz · 021 059 3068

MJONESBUILDING.CO.NZ

Serves 4

Falafel tray bake Roasted vegetables and crispy falafel. Topped with creamy tahini yoghurt dressing and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp lemon juice • ½ cup chopped parsley

Method 1. Heat oven to 225°C

• 4 cups cauliflower florets

2. Toss cauliflower, pumpkin and fennel with oil and paprika

• 4 cups pumpkin, chopped

3. Roast for 30 minutes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

4. Shape falafel mixture into balls and place over vegetables

• 2 tsp paprika

5. Roast another 10 minutes

• 1 fennel bulb (or onion), chopped

• 350g prepared falafel mixture • ¼ cup unsweetened natural yoghurt • 2 tbsp tahini

6. Mix yoghurt, tahini and lemon juice, and drizzle over tray bake. Serving suggestion: Garnish with parsley.

Hearty and heart-healthy Serves 4

Penne with eggplant caponata Wholemeal penne. Tossed with rich eggplant,

• 2 tbsp chopped olives • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

tomato, caper and olive sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

for Mediterranean-inspired

• 2 tbsp olive oil

flavour.

• Fresh basil or parsley

Ingredients • 300g wholemeal penne • 1 large eggplant, diced • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• Black pepper

Method 1. Cook the pasta until al dente 2. Brown the eggplant in olive oil 3. Add onion, garlic and capsicum; cook until softened 4. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, capers, olives, vinegar and sugar

• 1 red capsicum, diced

5. Simmer for 15–20 minutes

• 400g canned diced tomatoes

6. Combine with pasta.

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Serving suggestion: Garnish with herbs.

• 2 tbsp capers

Recipes

Serves 4

Homemade baked beans Creamy beans simmered in smoky tomato sauce. Delicious on wholegrain toast or baked potatoes.

Ingredients • 2 cans cannellini or haricot beans, drained • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp olive oil • 400g crushed tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (reduced salt if possible)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp mustard • Black pepper

Method 1. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft 2. Add garlic and paprika for 1 minute 3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and mustard 4. Simmer for 10 minutes 5. Add beans and cook another 15 minutes. Serving suggestion: Serve on wholegrain toast, baked potatoes, or alongside grilled vegetables.

Simply delicious Serves 4

Chicken and chickpea curry Tender chicken, chickpeas and vegetables.

• 1 cup plain unsweetened yoghurt

Simmered in fragrant spices, served over wholesome brown rice.

• ½ cup chopped coriander (optional)

Ingredients

1. Heat oil over low heat and soften the onion

• 2 tbsp canola or olive oil • 1 onion, diced

2. Add garlic, chicken, curry powder and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

3. Stir in tomatoes, water and chickpeas

• 750g skinless chicken thigh, diced

4. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked

• 2 tbsp curry powder

5. Stir through yoghurt and vegetables, then simmer for another 5 minutes

• 2 tsp garam masala • 1 × 400g can chopped tomatoes

• 3 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)

Method

6. Serve over brown rice.

• 2 cups water

Serving suggestion:

• 1 × 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Garnish with coriander.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 27

Technology

Dozens of faultlines discovered under Auckland

Scientists have identified dozens of previously unrecorded faultlines running beneath Auckland, and the fieldwork that will test whether any of them are active is concentrated in the region’s rural south. The discovery came from analysis of borehole samples collected across the region, records that show how the ground has shifted vertically over time. Auckland University senior lecturer James Muirhead, who is leading the research, said a fault is classed as active if it has moved within the past 125,000 years. Some of the newly mapped lines may have been still for as long as six million years. Others remain unconfirmed. The team sorted the findings into three categories, probable faults, possible faults, and possible structures that show signs of ground movement without a clear cause. Two of the most significant probable faults stretch from the Waitemātā Harbour to the Manukau

BUSINESS NEWS, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE FRONT LINES OF INDUSTRY, MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY, AND COMMERCE.

B2BNEWS.co.nz

28 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

If a fault is confirmed as active, councils can map a fault avoidance zone around it. The Ministry for the Environment guideline recommends a buffer of at least 20 metres either side of a known fault trace, and that information can appear on a Land Information Memorandum. Harbour, one running through Avondale and the other from Glendowie to Blockhouse Bay. Possible faults have been flagged near Northcote, Birkenhead and Wiri, with further structures under review in Sandringham, Newmarket and Ōtāhuhu. Trenching work is planned near Pukekohe and Drury, where diggers will cut four-metre-deep trenches across selected faults so scientists can study when they last moved. When the findings were announced, Muirhead said he expected clear answers on the level of seismic hazard within about two years. The research has been partly funded by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, which featured it in its Resilience Highlights Report.

What it means for your house Mapping a fault does not create a hazard that was not there before. The lines have always run where they run. What has changed is that we can now see them, and the work so far has not increased the known risk to the city. Cover is automatic. If you hold private house insurance that includes fire cover, and most policies do, natural hazard cover through the Natural Hazards Commission comes with it. There is nothing separate to apply for. The building cap is $300,000 plus GST, lifted from $150,000 in October 2022, and any damage above that sits with your private insurer. If a fault is confirmed as active, councils can map a fault avoidance zone around it. The Ministry for the Environment guideline recommends a buffer of at least 20 metres either side of a known fault trace, and that information can appear on a Land Information Memorandum. In Auckland that would be Auckland Council’s call. It governs what can be built on a site and how, rather than whether an existing house can be insured. For now there is nothing to act on. The answers are a couple of years away, and the most useful thing any homeowner can do in the meantime has little to do with faultlines. Check that the sum insured on your policy still reflects what it would cost to rebuild.

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Technology

Is a smart home Walk into any home show and you'll find gadgets promising to make your house 'smarter'. But what does smart actually mean?

the smart choice?

The best smart home technology should solve a problem, improve comfort, save energy or make everyday life easier. Some genuinely earn their place. A smart thermostat, automated heating system or video doorbell can add real convenience and security. For anyone planning to stay in their own home as they get older, that’s the whole point. Programmable heating means the house is warm before you get out of bed. A video doorbell means you can see who is there without going to the door. Voice control matters most to people whose hands or knees make switches and taps difficult, and medication reminders, movement sensors and fall detection can be the difference between managing at home and not. Consumer NZ's testing is a useful starting point, and CERT NZ's advice on securing connected devices is worth reading before anything goes online, because a device on your home network is a device someone else may try to reach. Smart lighting, blinds, ovens and even taps that respond to voice commands sound futuristic, but the reality can be less seamless. Voice assistants can struggle with background noise, multiple users or accents, turning a simple instruction into a frustrating back-and-forth. Voice control works best when it solves a specific problem, such as playing music, setting timers or controlling a few frequently used lights. Replacing every physical switch in the home with voice commands often adds complexity without much benefit. A light switch still works instantly, regardless of your internet connection or whether your assistant understands the request.

Smart lighting, blinds, ovens and even taps that respond to voice commands sound futuristic, but the reality can be less seamless.

30 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Smart fridges that track food levels and washing machines controlled through an app are classic examples of technology trying to solve problems many homeowners don't have. Connected appliances can cost more than standard models while relying on apps and software that may not be supported indefinitely. The same applies to committing an entire home to one brand's ecosystem. Companies change, subscriptions can appear, product ranges are discontinued and technology moves quickly. A lighter approach is often more practical. Automate the things that genuinely improve daily life rather than adding sensors and controls simply because they are available. Keyless entry can be useful, especially for managing access for family, cleaners or tradespeople, but smart locks should not replace basic security measures. Battery failures, connectivity issues and software problems can create frustrations, while quality locks, strong doors and good lighting remain essential. The easiest smart home trend to skip is technology chosen because it is fashionable rather than useful. A smart heating controller that lets you warm the house before arriving home has a clear benefit. A mirror that displays the weather may be entertaining, but it is unlikely to change how the home functions. A smart home might have heaps of technology. The smartest home will have carefully chosen devices that make it safer, more comfortable and easier to live in, without becoming one big maintenance problem.

WEST AUCKLAND BASED ELECTRICIAN. RESIDENTIAL

Residential fault finding and resolution Repairs and upgrades Oven and hot water repairs Kitchen and bathroom renovations COMMERCIAL

Commercial lighting Emergency lighting Repairs and maintenance

Matt 021 411 848

office@mgcelectrical.co.nz

www.mgcelectrical.co.nz

Puzzles

RULES: Sudoku rules are simple. A 9×9 square must be filled in with numbers To challenge you more, there are 3×3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can't have any repeat numbers either.

ANSWERS:

32 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Sudoku

from 1–9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.

Puzzles

CAPITALS OF THE WORLD

Wordsearch Find and cross out all the listed words.

The old saying ‘use it or lose it’ applies as equally to mental acuity as it does to physical wellbeing, and more so as we age. With people progressively living longer lives, it is increasingly important to look after our mental health. So here are some activities for the mind… brain food for improving your state of mind.

ANSWERS:

Mind Games

The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, not backwards. The remaining letters will spell "the Hidden word" one more capital.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 33

Longevity

Why when you eat

can matter as much as what Most of us think about what we eat far more than when we eat it. But throughout your body are 24-hour internal clocks, collectively known as the circadian rhythm, that help regulate sleep, hormone release, body temperature and metabolism. They explain why the same meal can affect the body differently depending on the time of day. The circadian rhythm evolved to align our biology with the roughly 24-hour light-dark cycle, setting when we are alert and when the body prepares for rest. During the day, the body is generally more insulin sensitive and better prepared to process food. As night approaches, many metabolic processes begin to change, preparing the body for rest rather than peak digestive activity. This is why eating patterns interact so closely with the body clock. A large meal eaten late in the evening occurs at a time when many of these processes are naturally changing. Research has linked eating patterns that conflict with the circadian rhythm, including consistently late eating and night-time eating, with poorer blood sugar control because the body may be less efficient at responding to insulin later in its internal day. One 2020 clinical trial found that a dinner eaten after 10pm produced nocturnal glucose intolerance and higher evening cortisol in healthy participants. The circadian rhythm also influences appetite. Evening eating can sometimes be driven by habit, boredom or routine rather than genuine hunger, and people may also choose more energy-dense foods at these times. When extra calories are added on top of regular meals, maintaining a healthy weight can become more difficult, particularly as muscle mass and metabolic rate naturally change with age.

34 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

That said, eating in the evening does not automatically lead to weight gain. The overall balance between energy intake and energy use remains a major factor. However, because the body may process food differently later in the day, consistently eating large amounts late at night can make healthy weight management more challenging over time. The circadian rhythm links eating and sleep in both directions. A heavy meal close to bedtime can contribute to bloating, indigestion and reflux, and lying down soon afterwards can make it easier for stomach acid to move upward and disrupt sleep. Poor sleep can then feed back into the same system. Insufficient rest can affect the hormones and signals that regulate hunger and fullness, and can increase cravings for high-energy foods the following day. The clock works in a loop. Disrupted rhythms can affect sleep, disrupted sleep can influence appetite, and altered eating patterns can further affect the rhythm. Over the long term, research has associated circadian misalignment, including patterns such as night-shift work and consistently disrupted meal timing, with poorer blood sugar regulation and increased risk factors linked to heart health. These effects are not caused by one late meal, but by repeated patterns that place the body out of sync with its natural cycle. None of this means food after a certain hour is off-limits. If you are genuinely hungry in the evening, lighter options such as fruit, yoghurt, nuts or a small protein-rich snack may be sensible choices before sleep. Creating some distance between your evening meal and bedtime gives digestion time to progress before you lie down. It is also worth asking whether it is genuine hunger, or simply habit. For night-shift workers, the challenge is different, and there are more of them than you might expect. Stats NZ's Survey

Longevity

of Working Life recorded 323,000 New Zealanders working at least one night shift in the previous four weeks, a rise of about 60% in a decade. For them the circadian rhythm is not simply responding to meal timing. It is also responding to light exposure, sleep patterns and daily routines. The body's internal clock remains influenced by these signals even when someone's work schedule requires them to be awake at night. This creates a mismatch that can affect digestion, appetite regulation and blood sugar control. In this context, eating at 2am is not necessarily the same as having a snack at 10pm before bed. A night-shift worker is eating during their biological night, when the body is

Eating at 2am is not necessarily the same as having a snack at 10pm before bed. A night-shift worker is eating during their biological night, when the body is naturally preparing for rest, while someone eating at 10pm may simply be extending their usual waking period.

naturally preparing for rest, while someone eating at 10pm may simply be extending their usual waking period. Timing appears to matter here more than most people assume. A trial led by Sarah Chellappa and published in Science Advances found that restricting meals to daytime prevented the internal misalignment and impaired glucose tolerance that night-time eating produced in simulated night work. Planning meals around working hours may therefore be preferable to relying on convenience food during a busy shift. Balanced meals containing protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates can provide steadier energy and reduce reliance on high-sugar or high-fat options. Where practical, keeping the largest meal earlier in the shift and choosing lighter food closer to sleep may help, although research into the best meal timing for shift workers is still developing. Circadian rhythm is a biological reality that shapes how well your body handles food at different times of day. The goal isn't to eliminate evening eating but to work with your internal rhythm. Lighter food, more distance from bedtime, and attention to genuine hunger rather than habit. An occasional late-night treat is nothing to worry about. It's the consistent mismatch between eating patterns and your body's clock, over time, that matters most for health.

Live Longer, Live Better

Brain games

can reduce dementia risk By Ben O’Connell

A 2026 study has reinforced the importance of mental exercise in protecting cognitive health, particularly for adults aged 50 and over. Following more than 8,000 participants aged 50 to 80 over a decade, researchers found that engaging in regular cognitive activities, such as puzzles, memory games, reading, or learning new skills, was linked to a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who committed to at least three mental exercise sessions per week, lasting 20 to 60 minutes each, showed measurable improvements in memory tests and delayed onset of cognitive impairment. Remarkably, the 2026 study found that adults engaging in three or more weekly mental exercise sessions saw up to a 30% lower risk of dementia and measurable memory

improvements, even in their 70s, showing that it’s never too late to start. The study also compared mentally stimulating activities with more sedentary, passive tasks like watching television or scrolling on a phone. These passive activities offered little to no cognitive benefit and were associated with higher rates of cognitive decline over time. This shows the value of actively challenging the brain rather than engaging in purely passive entertainment. The protective effect was strongest among those who combined mental stimulation with regular physical activity, supporting earlier research connecting cardiovascular health to brain resilience. Lead researchers emphasised that consistent mental challenge strengthens neural pathways and promotes brain plasticity, which may explain the reduction in dementia risk of up to 30% for highly active participants. These findings show that brain health is an active pursuit, not a passive state. Simple, consistent engagement in mentally stimulating activities can make a real difference over time, offering a practical, empowering way to support memory, resilience, and overall quality of life well into later years.