Latest News Headlines
26 April 2010
GrownUps website rejuvenates online Retirement Living section
To coincide with the 2010/2011 Guide to Retirement Living book, GrownUps.co.nz, the book's partner website, is beginning to rejuvenate their Retirement Living section also.
GrownUps receives over 100,000 unique browsers per month from around NZ and their member base has now grown to over 41,000.
With over 5000 articles covering all sorts of areas of interest including travel, health & wellbeing, investment, pets & gardening, together with Retirement Living, GrownUps is NZ's largest lifestyle site for the active 50+ demographic in NZ. You can become a member of GrownUps 50+ online community for free.
Take a look at the new Retirement Living section here
08 April 2010
Summerset in the Orchard showcased in Singapore
A new design and build approach at Summerset in the Orchard retirement village has been showcased in Singapore.
Norah Barlow, chief executive of Summerset Retirement Villages, told international business leaders how Summerset’s alliance with Lifemark, the building’s sector’s equivalent to Tourism New Zealand’s Qualmark, has helped ensure the success of the development... More
07 April 2010
Homes for all seasons of life - The Press 7th April 2010
Aspiring and professional house builders in New Zealand are being encouraged to adopt a new design and build approach - one that takes into account owners' chnaging needs over a lifetime...More
01 March 2010
New Zealand Construction News: Lifemark Provides a Lifetime Guarantee For Designs
Summerset in the Orchard in Hastings, and Summerset by the Park in Manukau, are the first retirement villages in New Zealand to be awarded the prestigious Lifemark...More
12 February 2010
BRANZ 'Build' Magazine - House design that lasts a lifetime
Older people are staying in their homes longer. But unfortunately, houses aren’t always designed to meet their changing needs and costly renovations are needed for them to remain in their own home.
Lifetime Design is a way of designing houses that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and tomorrow More
05 February 2010
Flexible House Makes Living Easy for Young Family
Designing Beyond the Here and Now
The features a young family wants in a house are vastly different than what aging empty nesters are looking for in a house… or are they? Read More
05 February 2010
LIFEMARK’ – DESIGN EXCELLENCE FOR THE FUTURE
Homes which are more universally usable, adaptable and inclusive are marketable to a much wider audience. There is a growing focus by home buyers on usability and functionality, rather than just aesthetics. More
28 December 2010
‘Lets make homes that say Welcome’
- New Zealand Herald
Houses that work well for people of every age and ability are hard to find - writes David Russell...More
21 December 2009
Design houses differently and save ACC and public health costs’
- NZ Property Investor
ACC and the Ministry of Health together spent more than $33 million on housing modifications in the past year. Without this help, these homes would have become unliveable for their disabled and aged owners. More
21 December 2009
The Power Of The 50+ Market In Asia Pacific
by Kim Walker
It seems to me that American and European marketers have well and truly woken up to the indisputable power of the Baby Boomer (and older) market. And while an equal or greater prize awaits in the markets of Asia Pacific, business here and abroad seems blind to the opportunity. Consider these few facts. By2018, the 50+ population in Asia Pacific will ... More
January 2010
David Russell, former head of the Consumer Institute (now Consumer NZ), ambassador for Lifemark
ACC and the Ministry of Health together spent more than $33 million on housing modifications in the past year. Without this help, these homes would have become unliveable for their disabled and aged owners MORE...
8 December 2009
Seal of approval for housing could save sector $60 million
The housing sector could save up to $60 million a year by choosing a new design and build approach, according to a report by the Ministry of Social Development (MsD).
The analysis reveals private homeowners, taxpayers, housing developers and government could benefit from significant savings if Lifemark, the building sector’s equivalent to Tourism New Zealand’s Qualmark, was incorporated into new home design. MORE...
November 2009
Report: Economic Effects of Utilising Lifemark at a National Level
The Lifemark trademark brings together consumers and businesses with products and services that meet the needs of our changing population. The Lifemark has emerged out of the consumer drive to prepare for an ageing population. MORE...
15 October 2009
Wheelchair of the future takes on the scooter
Sometimes function can successfully follow form. That may be the case for Japan's Veda International Robot R&D Center, whose electric wheelchair for the immobile and elderly might be giving scooters and electric cars a little competition in the looks department...MORE
25 September 2009
Lifemark and safety in your home
Want to know why Lifemark is so important for you and all of your family and friends? Did you know that 1 in 3 of all injuries in New Zealand happen in the home? That means you're far more likely to be injured at home than anywhere else. A total of 260,000 injuries this year occurred in New Zealand homes, more than 50% were the result of slips, trips and falls and 500 ended in death (nearly twice the national road toll over the same period) …MORE
17 September 2009
Lifemark at 50+ Expo
Watch out for Lifemark at the upcoming 50+ Expo's in Tauranga on the 25th-26th September and Auckland on the 16th-18th October.
The 50+ Lifestyle & Retirement Expo brings together the latest Products and Services for the Senior and Baby Boomer market…MORE
14 September 2009
Designing to the Lifemark
Manukau City Council is embarking on a huge programme of new building and refurbishment of their social housing, as part of their commitment to the elderly section of their community. Some of these projects will bear the Lifemark, in a roll-out programme that will see around 500 homes either created or made over.
One such project is Gallaher Court, a new block of apartments in a park setting that will be a direct replacement for a neighbouring block, now showing signs of age. Lifemark went to speak with an associate of the project management consultants OCTA who are overseeing the build, to see how they are getting on with building to the Lifemark…MORE
31 August 2009
Why we picked Lifemark
A keen interest in architectural design, and 26 years in a wheelchair, has given Philip Blundell a thorough insight into what makes a home user-friendly and accessible. Phil’s own house was specifically designed to be totally accessible for his wheelchair as well as being a beautiful family home.
So when it was time for his parents (now in their eighties) to move into a retirement village, Phil knew exactly which design features would be invaluable to them – and that a retirement villa bearing the Lifemark seal of approval would have them...MORE
25 August 2009
Architects say Accessibility Features are Key
Architects are reporting declining interest in traditional upper-end features and products in the home. Instead, there is a growing interest in accessibility and adaptability features to make the home better meet the needs of an ageing or less mobile population…MORE
14 August 2009
Nissan seeks to appeal to ageing
To understand what it's like for a 70-year-old person to get around, Nissan designers are donning an "aging suit", complete with a 1-kilogram vest, uneven shoes that make walking a precarious hobble and belts that strap knees so they can't bend.
The designers say such changes can make a big difference in winning buyers in Japan, where a fifth of the population is 65 or older, and that proportion is expected to double in the next 30 years...MORE
4 August 2009
Wellington City Council Accessible Housing Design Winner
It’s been decided – the winner of the City Council’s Accessible Wellington Design Competition is Nelson-based architect, Richard Carver.
The competition, launched at the Accessible Wellington Forum required entrants to design an upgrade to a typical Council housing complex consisting of four bed-sit units, with a focus on making them more practical to live in for everyone, regardless of mobility or age. Several small complexes with similar plans are currently being upgraded as part of the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project.
Entries were judged on the use of the Lifetime Design Foundation’s LifeStandards, Universal Design principles and Environmentally Sustainable Design principles…MORE
3 August 2009
American Society for Interior Designers
American Society for Interior Designers (ASID) reports on 'Designing for a Diverse Population' and how linking your business's profitability to the changing needs of a diverse population benefits everyone...MORE
30 July 2009
Latest Issue of LifeTimes out today
Check out the latest issue of LifeTimes out today...MORE
29 July 2009
Follow Lifemark on Twitter
Keep up to date with the latest Lifemark news by following Lifemark on Twitter. Twitter is the hottest online networking phenomenon, and Lifemark is using it to keep everyone up to date on Lifemark events, news and research. Follow Lifemark here http://twitter.com/Lifemark
28 July 2009
Meet Jane O'Connor
Jane is recognised and honoured internationally as an expert in housing for the 50+ age group, a growing market. She works with developers, home builders and real estate companies focusing on the 50+ niche market.
Jane is an expert on this subject and believes the Lifemark is not only a move of social priority, but one of defining business opportunity. The way we design needs to change to keep up with the demands of a new wave of home buyers...MORE
21 July 2009
Over-65 population to outnumber under-5’s
"People aged 65 and over will soon outnumber children under age 5 for the first time in history," said the report put together by Kevin Kinsella and Wan He of the U.S. Census Bureau.
"Ageing is affecting every country in every part of the world," said Richard Suzman of the National Institute of Ageing, which commissioned the report. "While there are important differences between developed and developing countries, global aging is changing the social and economic nature of the planet and presenting difficult challenges." ...MORE
29 June 2009
Retirement Villages Association national conference
Lifemark ambassador, David Russell, recently attended and presented Lifemark at the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand (RVA) Conference in Auckland
Lifemark is an associated member of the RVA, a voluntary membership association for operators of retirement villages in New Zealand and organisations that work in the retirement villages industry.
The RVA conference provides an opportunity for members to network and hear about new innovations in the industry, such as the Lifemark.
Choosing a retirement home that carries the Lifemark and meets the occupant’s needs and expectations can help enrich their quality of life and enable them to pursue their lifestyle aspirations. They can be secure in the knowledge that their home will continue to be adaptable to their needs, at whatever age, stage or ability.
One of the key speakers at this event was Jane O’Connor, an expert and advocate for innovation in the retirement living sector, who immediately understood the significance of the work of the Lifetime Design Foundation.
24 June 2009
Over-65 Population to Triple by 2050
The world's 65-and-older population will triple by mid-century to one in six people, leaving the US and other nations struggling to support the elderly.
The number of senior citizens has already jumped 23 percent since 2000 to 516 million, according to US census estimates released on Tuesday. That is more than double the growth rate for the general population…MORE
19 June 2009
Prime Minister John Key & Lifemark
At the official opening of Summerset by the Park on the 19th June 2009, Prime Minister John Key spoke about New Zealand’s ageing population and our shifting demographics. He recognised that the shape of the New Zealand population is changing and that our ageing population was going to create a new dynamic in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Summerset and Lifemark on our successful partnership and the work done between the two organisations.
Lifemark is very excited about our partnership with Summerset. Summerset are leading the way with the Lifemark in the retirement sector and we are looking forward to launching their new Lifemark approved villas around New Zealand soon…MORE
15 May 2009
Lifemark in Taranaki
The Lifetime Design Foundation, Lifemark and the New Plymouth District Council would like to invite local architects, developers, designers, retirement village operators, social housing providers, builders, town planners and anyone with an interest in Lifetime Design to join them for a FREE workshop on ‘Designing for a Lifetime’.
Come along and hear about the simple steps anyone can take to ensure that the next house they build will function for everyone, regardless of age, stage or mobility. Learn how you can stimulate buyer awareness and deliver a point of difference in this challenging market...MORE
2 May 2009
Summerset Retirement Villages Land a Lifemark
Summerset Retirement Villages are the first retirement village operator in New Zealand to sign up to the Lifemark programme and on Saturday 2 May, opened the first Lifemark approved retirement village in Manukau, Auckland.
Summerset’s reputation for leading edge design and safe, secure and enjoyable retirement environments has been bolstered by the Lifemark seal of approval. The Lifemark is only given to designs which pass a strict, independent review process and meet a specific range of standards around usability, adaptability, accessibility, inclusion and lifetime value...MORE
17 April 2009
Design with Lifemark & Win!
New Zealand architects and designers have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the Lifemark and the LifeStandards by entering a new design competition run by Wellington City Council.
The competition, launched at the Accessible Wellington Forum requires entrants to design an upgrade to a typical Council housing complex consisting of four bed-sit units, with a focus on making them more practical to live in for everyone, regardless of mobility or age. Several small complexes with similar plans are currently being upgraded as part of the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project.
Entries will be judged on the use of the Lifetime Design Foundation’s LifeStandards, Universal Design principles and Environmentally Sustainable Design principles.
The winner will be asked to enter negotiations with the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project to develop their proposal with a view to constructing the design.
A total prize pool of $4000 is available. The prize for the selected finalist will be $2000, with additional prizes of $1000 awarded to finalists placed in the top three...MORE
9 April 2009
Lifemark DVD Coming Soon
We have started work on a new Lifemark narrative DVD. The DVD will explain what Lifemark stands for, why it matters and how to make your next home Lifemark approved. It takes us on a journey through a Lifemark home and points out what makes a Lifemark home subtly different. It will also explain what we should think about when looking at buying or building a home.
Sections of the DVD will be able to be uploaded to our member’s websites and available for use in show-homes and at events. We look forward to bringing you more as development continues.
2 April 2009
Accessible Wellington Forum
The next Accessible Wellington Forum is coming up on the 17 April. Come along and hear what the City Council is doing for you, your family and your community. Learn about how living spaces can be designed cleverly, creatively and affordably to suit the needs of all people. The Forum is an opportunity to have your say on what gets done and how the council does it.
Lifetime Design, will be presenting the Lifemark concept to the group as part of the launch of the Accessible Design Competition. Come along to find out…MORE
31 March 2009
Latest Supporters
We are excited to welcome South Pacific Homes and the Coromandel Independent Living Trust to the Lifemark ‘movement’.
Both come from different sectors, but with a like minded goal – to improve the New Zealand housing stock.
South Pacific Homes is a Palmerston North based residential home-building company. Their goal is to offer Manawatu residents the confidence of knowing that their new home will be one that lasts them a lifetime...MORE
Adaptability is an important issue for the Coromandel Independent Living Trust. They are working with us to develop designs for a series of ‘older person’ units. They want to be sure the units will work for the occupants as their abilities and needs change over the years...MORE
24 February 2009
Lifemark - NZ Experts
Lifemark and the Lifetime Design Foundation have been recognised as the New Zealand experts on adaptable and accessible design by the Australian Network for Universal Housing Design (ANUHD).
ANUHD is the umbrella organisation that links Australian government and community organisations working on changing the Australian housing stock together. It also pulls together other successful examples of what counties around the world are doing, such as us here in New Zealand. Want to read…MORE
9 February 2009
Welcome Wellington City Council
We are excited to welcome the Wellington City Council(WCC) to the Lifemark ‘movement’as our first council member for 2009. Sined Roe, WCC Accessibility Advisor say that the WCC is committed to promoting sustainable and accessible building design and hopes to raise awareness of the importance of accessible and adaptable design by joining the ‘movement’. The WCC has set itself the goal of Wellington becoming a more livable and inclusive city and getting in behind the Lifemark is another step further towards their goal.
30 January 2009
Leading Edge Design Techniques
The world wide aging population is already prominent in Japan with 20 percent of their population over 65. Nissan have taken note of this change in the market and are using ‘aging suits’ for their young designs, to help stimulate what it feels like to drive a car at 65. The suite adds extra weight, restricts movement, and creates sensations of bad balance, stiff joints and bad vision. With 40 percent of the population scheduled to be 65 plus by 2050 this seems like a very sensible marketing move. Want to read...MORE
21 January 2009
Lifemark leaflet Launch
As 2009 begins we are excited to launch our Lifemark leaflet. The leaflet is a one page give away brochure introducing the Lifemark and directing people to the new Lifemark website to find out more. If you’re interested in getting hold of some of these flyers please contact 0800 227 888 or click on to see a PDF version and read…MORE