The Plug-in had the pleasure of partnering again at the Salisbury Conversations event in June 2025 to explore cost-of-living experiences. This topic directly relates to a current Plug-in project: Cost-of-living impacts for people aged 50+, a project made possible through a partnership with the Wyatt Trust.
Salisbury Seniors participated in round table workshops to share their insights on cost-of-living pressures and what it means for older people. We are very thankful for the insights and involvement of everyone present at the event– thank you once again for participating in our workshop and contributing to a wonderful morning. We love participating in this event series and hearing about what is happening in the City of Salisbury.
Here are the insights shared with The Plug-in at the 10 June Salisbury Conversations event.
What does cost-of-living mean to you?
Salisbury Conversation participants told us that everyday expenses are getting harder to manage. Rising prices are forcing people to cut back on essentials, change what they buy, and even go without. Many shared it affects their quality of life, causing stress and worry.
They are paying more for things like electricity, gas, and water, as well as groceries — especially meat and eggs. They also mentioned that rising costs of rent and health insurance, and the pressure of council rates and car registration, add concern to managing weekly budgets on fixed incomes; this can result in opting out of memberships such as health insurance.
Changes in grocery shopping practices and prices were a shared experience among most participants, the consensus being they get less for their money — for example, smaller food packages that cost the same, or fake specials that aren’t real savings. The term ‘product shrinkage’ was noted by several groups.
How do cost-of-living pressures effect older people?
Generally, participants felt that older generations are savvy with spending, knowing their financial limitations and spending within their means.
Participants explained that they face extra challenges because most are on fixed incomes, like the pension, which doesn’t increase when costs go up – increases that are inadequate in comparison to rising cost-of-living.
For an older person, ageism makes it is harder to find work and almost impossible get a loan over the age of 50. Many are worried about housing, as rent keeps rising and there are fewer affordable places available.
One group shared they don’t always get the healthcare they need, feeling overlooked due to age. Others expressed concern about increasing scams and finding it hard to find and afford help with things like house repairs.
While a few shared that a positive benefit of age was free public transport, most felt the system isn’t doing enough to support them.
What tips and services help manage costs?
Participants shared helpful tips and local services they use to save money. Some get free or low-cost food from places like Foodbank, church food parcels, farmers markets or local cafes with good specials.
Many rely on community centres like the Jack Young Centre, which offers cheaper meals and activities, and information about support programs and My Aged Care. Community venues are a vital way of maintaining social connections when rising costs tend to limit people’s ability to connect socially or continue personal interests.
Discount cards like the Seniors Card and Companion Card help with transport and entry fees. Others try to save by shopping smarter, buying second-hand at op shops, or using Layby or Afterpay. Some also mentioned using budgeting tools, delaying purchases, and accessing hardship support from energy companies or Centrelink.
In summary
These ideas show how older people are doing their best to cope with rising costs, using what’s available in their community. This workshop discussion at Salisbury Conversations really demonstrates the power of community and sharing of information, highlighting the important role that community centres and programming have in keeping communities connected and informed.
Thank you to each person who shared with us – your voices help us better understand the issues facing communities and will help inform The Plug-in’s current cost-of-living project, and more broadly the policy and advocacy work of COTA SA.
Do you live regionally? Get involved in our current cost-of-living project.
We are still seeking regional voices to understand cost-of-living experiences for our Wyatt Trust project collaboration. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in participating, you can read more about how to get involved here – Understanding cost-of-living challenges in regional South Australia.
Exploring cost-of-living struggles for older South Australian’s is timely and relevant. As we heard in response to the 2025/26 State Budget, South Australians are doing it tough. You can read COTA SA’s summary of community response to the budget here:
The information you share with us helps COTA SA and The Plug-in to understand what is important to older people. Through your participation and contribution, you are raising the voices of older people and supporting the important work of COTA SA.
Contact us
You can contact The Plug-in anytime to learn more about partnering with us, participating in our projects and other opportunities to get involved.
08 8224 5526
email to: connect@theplugin.com.au
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