We know that cost-of-living is a challenge for older people in South Australia. COTA SA is actively seeking funding for a navigation program we co-designed with The Plug-in community in 2025 to help combat some of the challenges people aged 50+ are facing.

Why cost-of-living support is so important right now

For the past three years, COTA SA has continued to hear that cost-of-living challenges are the top concern for older people. In addition to increasing insurance costs, groceries and petrol, The Plug-in’s research identified there are many compounding factors that add additional challenges for people experiencing cost-of-living pressures:

  • Social connections and increasing isolation
  • Housing insecurity, rent stress and moving costs
  • Physical and mental health and medical expenses
  • Caring responsibilities and reduced income
  • Ageism and related impact to employment/earning opportunities

These factors highlight the very real need for supports that are tailored for this age cohort.

Riina’s story

Riina has openly shared her experiences in the hope that her voice will help make a difference for others experiencing cost-of-living and other pressures.

“It’s a scattered system, and it needs to be more central. People need to know where to go and where to get the support, and people don’t know where to go and where to get the support.

I think I found support because I was going through a difficult situation, I had a domestic violence situation, and it was very difficult for me. I was advised to get away from my situation, so I did. I got some support from Hutt Street [Centre]. I’ve just over nine years of experience in different networks. I know where to get free food, I know where to get all the support, and then it’s just been constantly asking questions and getting told to go to here or to go to there. But it’s not an easy system, and it’s very hard to talk up… to talk about your experience when you’ve had a difficult time.

You need to support people who don’t have a voice and need a voice. To be able to navigate services, you need some sort of central system where you can be guided to go elsewhere. You need someone who’s got qualifications to support a person [provide guidance].”

Riina’s story reminds us how challenging it can be to know where to start when seeking out supports, especially in times of crisis and/or financial challenge. The co-designed Cost-of-living Navigation Program will provide a service that gives South Australians over the age of 50 the opportunity to work alongside a Navigator who can provide guidance, help connecting to available supports and charting a path to regain control.

Advocating for a navigation program

Age and culturally appropriate, empathetic and trauma-informed navigation support is essential for people aged 50+ facing
cost-of-living challenges.

Since publishing the project report in late 2025, Miranda Starke, CE of COTA SA and Allison Russell, COTA SA Policy Advisor, have been meeting with decision makers to advocate for navigation-style programs that will support South Australians to find out about entitlements, concessions and other supports.

In October 2025, The Plug-in shared at the SAFCA Gamechangers Conference about the research and the importance of designing cost-of-living supports alongside people with lived experience.
In October 2025, The Plug-in shared at the SAFCA Gamechangers Conference about the research and the importance of designing cost-of-living supports alongside people with lived experience.

While funding has not yet been secured to deliver a Cost-of-living Navigation Program, COTA SA will continue to advocate strongly for this program.

What you share with The Plug-in helps inform COTA SA’s advocacy

As The Plug-in and COTA SA continue to seek funding for this navigation program, we want to say thank you to our Plug-in community for continuing to be active participants in project opportunities.

The outcomes of the cost-of-living project informed one of the five election priorities for COTA SA’s advocacy for the upcoming 2026 state election.

Your experiences provide real insights that make a difference for others

We are very thankful for the generosity of our community in sharing their stories with us. If this is a topic that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at connect@theplugin.com.au.