For many Indian elders living in New Zealand, life can be a mixture of peace and quiet but also loneliness. They often move here to be with their children or grandchildren, but adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can be emotionally complex.
While Kiwi society offers excellent healthcare and senior citizen support, Indian elders may face unique challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliar food, limited social circles, and a feeling of cultural disconnection are just a few.
Many Indian seniors come from deeply community-oriented environments. They are used to walking to nearby temples, chatting with neighbours, or being surrounded by extended family. In contrast, life in suburban NZ can feel isolating, especially if family members are working long hours or children are busy with school and extracurricular activities.
Cultural elder care isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s about emotional, spiritual, and social support. From temple visits and community events to language-friendly healthcare services, we need a holistic approach.
We believe aged care should be discussed more openly within our Kiwi-Indian community, not only to prepare for the future but to ensure our elders live with dignity, joy, and cultural connection.
We invite aged care specialists, social workers, temple leaders, and community organisations to share successful models, insights, or practical ideas for supporting our elders.